Speaker profile

The Lunar Society was one of the most influential groups in the 18th century, no aspect of science and industry was overlooked at their monthly dinner parties. Although the development of the steam engine and coinage production became the main focus for Matthew Boulton, he had developed a passion for astronomy. Andrew Lound dressed in period costume will give a brief synopsis of the Lunar Society’s interests in astronomy based on new research. A dramatic presentation beautifully illustrated and accompanied by music and presented with 18th century flair!

In 1961 President Kennedy laid down a remarkable challenge to the Soviet Union stating that “..before this decade was out..” the United States would “..land a man on the Moon and return him safely to the Earth”. Andrew dramatically tells the story of the Apollo project tracing the highs and lows, the sweat and tears of the most ambitious and daring mission in history. Illustrated with images, sound, video including HD movie segments and music. Versions: Large models; small models

The James Webb Telescope with its huge segmented mirror will shed a new light on the universe with its infra-red instruments. Over the next decade it will search for the earliest galaxies and stars, look deep into the heart of galaxies and nebulae, analyse exo-planet atmospheres and make discoveries never before imagined. It will as if humanity has opened its eyes for the first time. With stunning images, emotive music, this presentation is an odyssey like no other.

The Hubble Space telescope is giving humankind a view of the universe never even imagined. From dust clouds to star studded galaxies our minds have been opened to a universe that blends outstanding beauty with mind-boggling scales. Looking into deep space we are looking ever further back in time as it takes the light from the most distance objects many millions of years to reach the mirror of the Hubble. This lecture is illustrated by some of the most beautiful natural images one will ever see and is accompanied by music and high quality video. Sit back, relax and let your mind drift into the far reaches of the universe.

An informal guide to our Solar System taking us on a journey from the Sun to the far reaches of the Solar System visiting along the way planets, moons, asteroids and comets. Illustrated with the very latest images and supplemented with music this is an ideal presentation for all the family. Updated to include Pluto images. Also available is a version for schools (age 7 – 10 years) as part of the Urban Spaceman school visit where our host appears dressed in a full space suit!

Venus is a world that has been viewed in numerous ways, firstly as an ocean paradise, the planet of love, perhaps even two worlds one in the morning and one in the evening. Now we know it is one world - a hot corrosive world. Andrew provides an entertaining history of the planet illustrated by awesome images spanning over 100 years of observation by telescope and space probe. The images are accompanied by a very special arrangement of music that envelopes the audience. Who said science isn’t romantic?!

Even a journey of 35 million miles must begin by one step, a step that will begin the Mars Odyssey. Mars has influenced numerous cultures effecting legends, religious beliefs and scientific development. Andrew Lound traces the history of Mars exploration taking us on a journey of great human tragedy, of scientific discovery and of intense debate that has changed forever our perception of the universe. More of a performance than a lecture, it is illustrated with quality images, music and numerous props! So prepare to be taken on an odyssey that will end one day with a human foot making an imprint in the Martian soil.

In 1898 H.G. Wells wrote a “Romance of Science” that became a watershed in literature. The story of an invasion from Mars shocked and thrilled Victorians. Wells did not realize that he had laid down the blue print for a century of alien invasion stories with his own story being reproduced in plays, radio plays, movies and even records. Andrew dramatic tells the history of the famous book and subsequent incarnations with video, slides and audio. Be prepared for an entertaining invasion evening!

Mars has enthralled mankind for centuries. Scientists and the person in the street have imagined Mars as a world populated by strange beings. Since the so-called ‘canals’ were observed in 1877 Mars has been the number one planet on the minds of the public. Since that time numerous myths have developed which have fogged the true image of the planet. Andrew tries to separate the fact from fiction in this dramatic presentation illustrated by stunning images, supplemented by music and several props

Although largely ignored sine their first discovery in 1801, the asteroids and other small bodies of the solar system give humanity an insight into the origins of the solar system and may well give clues to the nature of bodies outside of it. Now following spacecraft visits we can take a close look at the rubble of the system and ponder as to whether the small bodies are the most important planetoids, helped build new planets and they offer raw material for industry, and they can extinguish life. With music and stunning images, this presentation proves size isn’t important.

The largest planet in the solar system has for millennia shone brightly in the heavens. Even before the age of the telescope humankind has revered this wanderer among the stars. With the exploration of Jupiter by spacecraft the reverence has turned to awe and wonder as Jupiter’s system of rings and moons delights our curiosity. In this dramatic presentation illustrated by amazing images and dramatic music Andrew charts the history of the exploration of the king of the planets and his consorts. Prepare for a voyage that will open your mind to worlds of immense beauty. You will never look into the night sky in quite the same way again.

Galileo thought it was a multiple planet, Wren, Huygens and Hevelius were fascinated by it. It was found that this giant world was less dense than water, and by the 1980s this world had the most moons known of any planet – only to lose out to Jupiter much later! It is of course Saturn. In July 2004 the Cassini/Huygens probe reached Saturn to begin several years of study of the Lord of the Rings. Andrew entertains us with the story of the observation of Saturn with a review and update on the Cassini Mission. See the latest images and hear the sound of dust hitting the spacecraft. With Moons and rings to delight the eye and stimulate the imagination, with music to inspire and enchant this is one presentation not to be missed.

A companion presentation to Saturn Lord of the Rings. The moons of Saturn have provided scientists with a wealth of data that may help explain how planetary systems form and how the structures in Saturn’s rings are formed. In this amazing presentation stunning images show icy worlds that are active from Enceladus’ plumes to the two-tone world of Iapetus – a world whose likeness was predicted by Cassini in the 17th century. Take a voyage through a system of worlds that will inspire and entertain. The images are accompanied by wonderful music and the now famous dramatic delivery of Andrew Lound.

Humankind was comfortable in the knowledge that the heavens contained numerous stars, 8 heavenly bodies, various comets and miscellaneous nebulae. Then one night in 1781 William Herschel changed all that when he discovered a new planet. It would be nearly 200 years before humans would get a close up view of this strange planet – tipped on its side and sporting rings and moons. This dramatic presentation tells the exciting story of planetary discovery with stunning images and accompanied by music and video. An entertaining presentation when 18th century flare meets modern science!

A chance find by a young mathematician led him to try and solve the problem of the planet Uranus’ orbit – which did not appear to follow true to Newton’s Laws. In France Urbain le Verrier also wanted to solve the mystery and thus began one of science’s greatest stories full of great excitement, discovery, rivalry, jealousy, betrayal and cooperation. Andrew entertains you with the story of the discovery of Neptune a planet predicted on paper. Illustrated by beautiful images, accompanied by delightful music Andrew will take you from the discovery to the very latest images of that distant planet.

Pluto’s discovery in 1930 seemed to be the epitome of planetary discovery in the solar system; yet it was just the beginning of a new era of planetary discovery. The story of Pluto’s discovery and subsequent discoveries of trans-Neptunian objects is presented with the trademark style of music, images and drama. The very latest images of Pluto taken by the New Horizons spacecraft will be shown coupled with the latest theories of how this amazing world has evolved with mountains, craters, gullies and stunning ice fields. This is an enchanting presentation with a finale to invoke the wonder of planetary exploration.

In 1908 a fireball raced through the deep blue skies of northern Russia ending with a massive explosion. Witnessed by numerous people this event became known as one of the great mysteries of the 20th century. The name Tunguska conjures up thoughts of alien spacecraft, black holes, anti-matter and fear. In this dramatic telling of the Tunguska story brought up to date with the latest research, the whole incident in investigated with rare images, video and a dramatic and entertaining performance. Will you ever feel safe again?

The story of the ill-fated Titanic has been told many times, and new aspects of the story are often hard to find; Andrew has found a new aspect, one which may offer an insight into some of the mysteries of the tragedy. The night of April 14-15, in the north Atlantic, was one of immense beauty, no moon, no clouds, and full dark sky of stars. It was as if the heavens themselves were out to view the world’s largest liner on her maiden voyage. It was on this night of a thousand stars, that the great liner struck an iceberg and the fate of over 1,500 people was sealed. Andrew looks at the conditions that night from an astronomical perspective, viewing the sky as seen by the offices and passengers of the Titanic, and poses some interesting questions. Presented in Andrew’s usual dramatic fashion complete with music, and stunning images, it is the Titanic for the stars.

The middle to late 18th century saw a rise in scientific enquiry that fuelled and was in turn aided by the industrial revolution. Freethinking stimulated human imagination that questions everything and wondered at the mysteries of the universe. Men of the calibre of those 18th century thinkers were rare in the 20th century as a more cynical and structured approach to science and thinking was promoted. There were however exceptions and one Carl Sagan was become one the century’s greatest science popularists and thinkers. Sagan became one of the most influential astronomers of the 20th century bringing a fresh approach to planetary science and in the face of much criticism questioned established theories about Venus, Mars, the formation of life and the manner in which to popularize space science. Andrew who was inspired by Carl to support space science gives a very personal view of the man and his work. The presentation is illustrated, with, audio, video and several surprising props!

Pioneers 10 and 11 were the first spacecraft to be set on a course to leave our Solar System. In 1977 two spacecraft left the earth on a mission to the outer planets of the solar system and then beyond. All four spacecraft carried plaques to indicate to any extraterrestrials that might find the spacecraft where the spacecraft came from and who sent them. The two Voyager spacecraft also carried a disc of encoded information to try and explain who we are – or more likely who we were. Andrew Lound looks at the first attempt to explain ourselves to an alien race and poses the thought – will the Voyager discs be the only surviving record of humanity? A thought provoking presentation illustrated with images and accompanied by music.

William Herschel became the most famous astronomer of the 18th century with his discovery of the planet we now call Uranus. Herschel communicated with many scientists and engineers and was on the fringe of one of the most influential groups of the 18th century—The Lunar Society. This group comprised of the likes of Matthew Boulton, James Watt, James Keir, Joseph Priestley, William Withering to name but a few. This group networked across Britain linking scientists and engineers together. Based on his own research Andrew takes us through Herschel’s links with group which are more profound that at first imagined. Illustrated with images and accompanied by period music, take an hour to eavesdrop on the 18th century.

In 2006 a team of space science educators & scientists visited Libya to work with the British Council and Libyan authorities to participate in a Solar Eclipse Public Awareness Campaign and to work with Libyan scientists to study the total solar eclipse from the Libyan Desert. Andrew Lound led the UK side of the project and presents a fascinating, funny and dramatic story of an adventure of a lifetime. Beautifully illustrated with images, accompanied by music this is an Odyssey presentation to savour.

The 1960s was the most vibrant decade in human history, it had the best of everything –music, fashion, culture, art you name it the sixties had it. It was also a time of great development in science, and engineering with Concorde, Boeing 747, QE2, new medicines and of course space exploration. In a truly Fab presentation Andrew takes us on an odyssey of the 1960s space programmes in context with the period. A wonderful soundtrack, stunning images, and amazing video. It will be a trip! Duo version available, 2 hour special also available.

The story of the development of the Hydrogen fuel cell from the discovery of Hydrogen by Henry Cavendish through to future prospects. President Richard Nixon told British engineer Francis Tom Bacon that without him (and his fuel cell) American could never have reached the Moon. It was Bacon’s revolutionary fuel cells that power the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon. His struggle to obtain support remains one of the most compelling stories on British science. The fuel cell is perfect to power spacecraft systems and has been used on Gemini spacecraft, satellites, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Fuel cells also offer a green and practical solution to domestic and industrial power. Andrew tells the story in his usual dramatic and entertaining fashion lavishly illustrated and accompanied by music, video and SFX.

The 1970s began with the understanding that spaceflight was a reality and hopes were high that human exploration of the Solar System was about to expand. However, the oil crises, recession and social change led to the US manned space programme being curbed in favour of robotic exploration, while the Soviet manned programme expanded. In a truly far out presentation Andrew takes us on an odyssey of the 1970s space programmes in context with the period. A wonderful soundtrack, stunning images, and amazing video. It will be a trip!

The tragedy of Apollo 1 had been a major setback in America’s attempt to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. The large Saturn 5 rocket had a number of technical problems. Apollo 8 was originally to have been a mission to test out the Command & service module, and the lunar module in Earth orbit. With rumours that the Russians were planning to launch a cosmonaut in an Earth-Moon round trip and the lunar module not being ready for test it was decided in August 1968 to launch the first crewed Saturn 5 mission to the Moon. The first-time humans would venture away from Earth. A presentation full of thee excitement and drama of the first manned moon flight. The countdown has started

October 4th 1957 is the date many consider the beginning of the Space Race. The launch of the world’s first artificial satellite was not quite the surprise many writers would have us believe it to be. In a presentation filled with period images and music Andrew captures  the drama of those heady days when rocket engineers dared to dream of spaceflight  fighting against political intransigence. It is a story of opportunities lost and cold war intrigue. The countdown has started…..

Contrary to popular belief, Britain has played a vital role in spaceflight history. Scientists, engineers, industry, academia and learned societies have all led the way in their respective fields. The withered hand of successive governments have hampered an independent or more dynamic British space programme. In this remarkable presentation the history of Britain in space is examined in context, with due credit being paid to those who have tried to push Britain skyward. Accompanied by historic images, movie clips and music this will be a presentation to make one proud to be British and to wonder what it might actually be like when we sit under a Britannia Sky.

The Chinese used them for entertainment, Congreve as a weapon but who would have thought that the rocket held the key to reaching space? Herman Ganswindt and Konstantin Tsiolkowki did, but engineering technology was not in step with their ideas. It would take a shy American and a team of enthusiastic Germans to develop the means of reaching space. Andrew illustrates a history of the rocket expressing the ups and downs of development using rare images, HD video and audio. A story that will surprise many as the ‘what might have beens’ are explored.

The 21st century was heralded as a new beginning, yet, thus far it has been a troubled century. Amongst the chaos the excitement and thrills of the 1960s have returned a new space race. This time however, there are more than two players. USA, China, India, Europe, the Middle East, Japan and the private sector are all racing into the sky—and not just for exploration and knowledge. Andrew takes a look at the developments of this new age of space travel complete with music, images, video and the usual spectacle.

The dream of flying high above the Earth is as old as Humankind. In the 19th century Konstantin Tsiolkowski wrote of how people could orbit the Earth, and by the later half of the 20th century humans were doing so permanently. This stunningly illustrated presentation takes us on a journey from the ground to Earth’s orbit looking at the people and the machines and towards a future when humans will live and work in orbit for most of their lives. Illustrated with images, music, video and models.