Speaker profile
Mr Mark Hardaker
FRAS
Available for booking
Verwood, Dorset, England
Will travel anywhere in the UK
Amateur Astronomer
Astrophotographer
Astronomy Author
Summary
An enthusiastic and energetic presenter who brings to life every aspect of astronomy.
Full biography
I was born in Keighley in West Yorkshire and have been an amateur astronomer since the age of eight.
I started with a simple pair of binoculars, progressing to a 3-inch refracting telescope as recommended by Patrick Moore and ending up today with a Meade LX200 12-inch reflecting telescope which I use in my back garden in Verwood.
I am passionate about astronomy as a hobby and enjoy bringing this passion to others. I am the treasurer of Fordingbridge Astronomers and a member of Wessex Astronomical Society where we regularly use our telescopes to show the public what you can see in the sky.
I co-present a monthly magazine called “Starry Skies” on Verwood’s own Forest FM radio station and I’m the Deputy Editor of Popular Astronomy, a magazine specifically targeted at beginners in the hobby.
I am also a committee member of the Commission for Dark Skies and a member of the British Astronomical Association.
I have presented to hundreds of audiences over the years, including on cruises and astronomical societies and clubs.
Stargazing sessions
Mr Mark Hardaker can host stargazing sessions including guided tours of the night skies and observing using telescopes or binoculars.
Affiliations
Lectures
My Visit to the Meteorite Craters of Saudi Arabia
A light-hearted look at my journey, in 2011, to the Wabah craters in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia, with some discussion about how they were formed.
