Space pioneer will give talk on six decades of research

AN event to celebrate Leicester’s long-standing connections with space study is being held this week, with the man who kicked off research that helped reveal one of the first black holes giving a talk.

Members of the public can hear from space pioneer Ken Pounds, right, Emeritus Professor of Space Physics at the University of Leicester at its main campus on Thursday, from 6pm.

Ken kick-started space research in Leicester more than 60 years ago with his work studying X-ray radiation from the sun and other sources, which revealed one of the first known black holes.

Space research at Leicester is now almost unrecognisable: with a dedicated research, innovation and teaching cluster now in operation at Space Park Leicester, and some of the world’s leading astronomers and planetary scientists hosted within the School of Physics and Astronomy.

University researchers – including Ken – were also among the group which established the UK’s National Space Centre in the city.

Prof Pounds will celebrate Leicester’s long-standing work beyond Earth with Our Space Heritage, a public lecture looking back at more than six decades of space expertise.

Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and head of college for Science and Engineering, said: “Leicester’s major global role in astronomy and planetary sciences is a source of great pride for the university and our region, and Ken’s role in establishing space research here all those years ago has been key to the success in decades since.

“Truly transformative research – whether on our planet or beyond – is powered by the drive and determination of people like Ken.”

Free to attend, people are urged to book their place via Eventbrite.