Speaker profile

Summary

I talk too much and I have a passion for space and astronomy. So why not mix the two and do more of it?.

Full biography

My first interest in astronomy came to light at the age of 7 years and I was lucky enough to get my first telescope at the age of 11; it was a terrible Tasco 75mm refractor on the wobbliest mount anyone could ever create. I joined Guildford Astronomical Society back in 1983 and there did my first stargazing outreach for Halley's Comet apparition in 1986.

I started visiting schools to do space-themed STEM lessons in 2017 (St Phillips, Bath) and haven't stopped. I've been chair of Bath Astronomers since 2019 and running its public and schools outreach programme with a wonderful group of volunteers. I've been on the Sky at Night programme and enjoyed showing off the family colander on BBC Points West and Sky News.

An amateur astronomer who likes to share the stories and science of the day and night sky to who ever will listen. Quote from school head teacher, "he spoke with such passion and enthusiasm it was hard not to be enthralled". Other skills useful on a desert island: fixing stuff and building gadgets!

Recent talks to public have been entitled:
A Star’s Life
The Family that accidentally found a planet
Stonehenge and the Sky
Super Vision
The Wanderers
The Women who discovered what stars are made of

Stargazing sessions

Mr Simon Holbeche can host stargazing sessions including guided tours of the night skies and observing using telescopes or binoculars.

Affiliations