Talks and shows

Interstellar tours

Embark on an enthralling cosmic journey with science writer Brian Clegg as your guide.

An astronaut in a spaceship
mikhail nilov via Pexels

Embark on an enthralling cosmic journey with the esteemed science writer Brian Clegg as your guide through the uncharted depths of space. From colossal nebulae cradling the birth of stars, to the detonation of supernovas forging the building blocks of life itself, your voyage across the cosmos aboard starship Endurance will take your breath away. Although the vessel itself may be fictional, the wonders you see have an unequivocal likeness to the realities of our Universe. 



Join Brian as he paints an intricate tapestry of the universe, using scientific knowledge at the forefront of astronomy and space observation. Traverse the planetary landscapes of distant solar systems, where alien worlds beckon, and venture closer to the heart of our own Milky Way to behold the mind-boggling expanse of the supermassive black hole that reigns at its centre.



Copies of Brian’s latest book ‘Interstellar Tours: A Guide to the Universe from Your Starship Window’ will be available to purchase after this lecture. 

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About the speaker

Brian Clegg is an award-winning popular science writer. He began writing professionally for computing magazines in the 1990s, providing features and reviews before becoming a columnist for Personal Computer World. His magazine work continued while he branched out into business books covering business creativity and customer service with titles including Imagination Engineering (Pitman Publishing, 1996) and Capturing Customers’ Hearts (FT Prentice Hall, 2000). In 2001 writing became a full time activity as Brian moved into science writing, inspired by his degree in natural sciences. As well as contributing to newspapers and magazines, he has written over twenty science books including A Brief History of Infinity (Constable and Robinson, 2003) and Dice World (Icon Books, 2013), both longlisted for the Royal Society Prize for science books. While a majority of his work focuses on physics- and maths-based topics, he has also covered the impact of science on everyday life. Brian gives regular public lectures both to the public and to schools, and has worked with a number of universities on science communication and creativity as well as giving masterclasses in association with the Guardian. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

Closed 3rd and 4th April

The Ri is closed to the public on Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th April