Science Rendez-Vous

Ghostly and Beautiful Planetary Nebulae 

Ever since the first planetary nebula was observed in 1764, they have remained both mysterious and fascinating. However they have nothing to do with planets but merely looked a little like the gas giant planets in our solar system when they were first discovered. If fact they are the ejected, glowing shrouds of dying stars that provide deep insights into late stage stellar evolution.

Stars, the fundamental building blocks of galaxies, are born in the heart of collapsing gas clouds but eventually they also die. The most massive go out with a bang in spec- tacular supernova explosions but the vast majority, including our own Sun, will go, not so much with a whimper, but by the graceful expulsion of their tenuous outer layers. The remnant core contracts and heats up “ionizing” the surrounding, previously ejected shroud, lighting it up into what we call a planetary nebula. They are among the most complex, varied and fascinating of celestial phenomenon and have proven to be an irresistible photogenic magnet for amateur astronomers and professionals alike.

In this talk Prof. Parker will explore this class of object, shed light on their nature and describe the a little about the new Hong Kong based world leading research team working on these amazing objects

Prof. Quentin Parker obtained a BSc(Hons) in 1982 and a PhD (1986) from the University of St.Andrews. He joined the department of Physics at Hong Kong University in March 2014. Prior to that he was the joint AAO/Macquarie lecturer in astronomy (2002-2015) and director of the research centre for Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics (2010-2014). Quentin also worked at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (1986-1992), Anglo-Australian observatory (1992-1999) and as a senior research fellow at the Institute for Astronomy in Edinburgh (1999-2002). Quentin was responsible for helping to develop the FLAIR-II and 6DF fibre-spectroscopy systems at the UKST and supported the 2dF and AAOmega multi-object fibre spectroscopy systems on the AAT.

Quentin was also P.I. for the UKST H-alpha survey of the Southern Galactic Plane. Research activities are mainly but not exclusively associated with Wide Field Astronomy, including large-scale redshift surveys, low-surface brightness galaxies, supernova remnants and especially Planetary Nebulae. He has supervised and co-supervised a significant number of PhD, MSc and honours students to successful completion and is always keen to attract students. Quentin is currently on the IAU working group on planetary nebulae. He also heads both the H-alpha international survey consortium and the associated 'MASH' Planetary nebulae team. He also has a life-long interest in antiquities and a strong interest in Chinese Bronze artefacts.

Come and join  “Science Rendez-vous” (in English), which will be animated by Prof. Quentin Parker! 

• What: "Science Rendez-vous" 
• When: May 31, 2016 - 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm)

• Where : Chez Patrick DELI BRIM28
  Brim28, 1/FCauseway Centre
  28 Harbour Road, Wanchai

Please note that only 60 seats are available!
Entrance Free (consumptions have to be paid directly at the counter)

About "Science Rendez-vous":

Dedicated to a large audience, these monthly talks aim at taking part in the dissemination of scientific culture in Hong Kong. Through informal talks and exchanges with the audience, renowned experts from France or Hong Kong will popularize a large variety of scientific topics.

The « Science Rendez-Vous » will stay close from topical issues and will keep an eye on ground-breaking discoveries made by French or local teams as well as teams working in cooperation between the two countries.

The talks will be given in English in the following format: 30 minutes speech usually without any PowerPoint presentation followed by a Q&A session fostering interaction between the speaker and the audience.

By partnering with the restaurant « Chez Patrick Deli » who will host these « Science Rendez-Vous » at its Deli restaurant Brim 28, we hope to turn these learning moment into convivial evenings while having the possibility to enjoy the French gastronomy at the same time (cheese and cold cuts platters with a glass of wine, for instance).
If you want to subscribe to our mailing list whereby information will be given regarding these events, please email us by mentioning « Subscribe » in the email title.
Around 10 days before the « Science Rendez-Vous », an e-invitation will be sent with the subject of the next discussion and the link to book the number of places required.

The number of tickets will be limited to 60.

**For more information or to subscribe to the mailing list please feel free to email us/ This event is free and consumptions have to be paid directly to the bar.