October 2025 Lecture – Lawrence Hanna (NIAAS) – Galaxies – The Nuts and Bolts

For the second lecture of the NIAAS season, we are very pleased to have our very own Lawrence Hanna giving a talk titled ‘Galaxies – The Nuts and Bolts‘ This will take place in our regular location of Ballyclare High School Lecture Theatre, on Monday 6th October, starting at 8pm sharp.

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About the talk: 

As an amateur astronomer, I’ve always been captivated by galaxies, often referred to as island universes, a term coined by Immanuel Kant (1742–1804) and Herber Doust Curtis (1872–1942). My first glimpse of galaxies through a large telescope was breathtaking, and my recent venture into astrophotography has only deepened my awe for these vast structures. Astronomers estimate there are between 100 to 200 billion galaxies in the observable universe. In this talk, I’ll explore the components of galaxies, their classification, and their connection to the current Lambda-CDM model of the universe.

About Lawrence: 

I’m a retired Chartered Engineer, with a BSc in Engineering (Major in Design and minor in Energy Conversion), MSc in Engineering Building Services. More recently, I also completed the OU Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science and I have just completed the modules for a Post Graduate Diploma in Astrophysics. 

I also hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and the Institute of Management Diploma in Operational Management. After any talks I gave in Management though I thoroughly washed my hands and gargled with an antiseptic mouthwash.

I have been very fortunate to have had two images published in Astronomy Now magazine and several in the Astronomy Ireland magazine.

As you can see from Lawrence’s credentials, we’re very lucky to have him as the NIAAS Vice-Chairman and are really looking forward to hearing his talk. Hope to see you all there and remember, refreshments and good company are available after the lecture!