Media Release
October 6 2007
Is Uranus upside down? - Planetary mysteries unplugged
Why’s
Uranus Upside Down? It maybe an oldie but it’s certainly a goodie as
far as book titles go.
For renowned Australian astronomer and communicator Fred Watson, it is another quirky title designed to engage everyday readers in the wonders of space science and the mysteries of the universe.
Astronomer in charge at the Anglo-Australian Observatory in Coonabarabran NSW and manager for the international RAVE (Radial Velocity Survey of a Million Stars), Watson has chosen the Adelaide Planetarium at UniSA’s Mawson Lakes campus to hold the first Australian release of his brand new book Why’s Uranus Upside Down?
The book will be launched on Monday October 15 at 4 pm in the foyer of the Mawson Centre, Mawson Lakes Campus.
Winner of the 2006 Eureka award for Promoting Understanding of Science, Watson uses humor to engage and educate in all of his writing and presentations. As a science communicator he has a loyal national audience through his work with ABC radio presenters James O’Loughlin and Adam Spencer and this latest book draws on the hundreds of listener questions he has been asked over 10 years on air.
Author of other titles including Stargazer - The life and times of the Telescope Watson has a personal research interest in the history of scientific instruments. He is well recognized for his skill in bringing together the historical, astronomical and social aspects of astronomy and space science together to deliver an accessible, entertaining and educational read.
His passion has been rewarded with many awards and accolades but perhaps few as lasting as the International Astronomical Union’s naming of asteroid (5691), the Fredwatson, in 2004.
Orders for the new book so it can be signed at the launch can be made via email or telephone (08) 8302 5077.
More information about Fred Watson is available online and you can also check out the information on what‘s coming up at the Adelaide Planetarium .
Contact for interview
- To arrange an interview with Fred Watson please contact: Marnie Ogg mobile 0417 689 003
Media contact
-
Michèle Nardelli office 08 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email
michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au