Guest Speaker - Martin George

Image courtesty of ABC Local

Today, we were joined by Martin George, Manager of the QVMAG Planetarium with a presentation on Modern Advances in Astronomy.

Martin was born in the UK and educated in Tasmania, gaining an honours degree in Physics  at the University of
Tasmania.  

Martin George is Collections and Research Manager at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and is Manager of the QVMAG Planetarium, also known as the Launceston
Planetarium.   Martin is a Fellow and former President of the International Planetarium Society, and continues to serve as its Chair of International Relations. 
  
Martin is a member of several other astronomy-related professional organisations, including the International Astronomical Union (the IAU).  At the 2006 IAU meeting, he took part in the controversial debate about the planet Pluto, which resulted in Pluto being demoted to 'dwarf planet' status.

Martin makes regular appearances on radio and television to discuss astronomy and space research.  This includes several regular radio programmes such as monthly timeslots on ABC Northern Tasmania, frequent talkback programmes on ABC radio in Hobart, and fortnightly programmes
on ABC Local Radio nationally.  Included in his many other activities are regular newspaper columns. 

Martin has kept close links with the University of Tasmania and on many occasions has presented undergraduate courses in astronomy at the University's Launceston
Campus.  He frequently speaks to community groups and the public on astronomical topics.
 
Martin is also administrator of the Grote Reber Medal for Radio Astronomy, the world's major award for lifetime innovative contributions on this topic.

Martin is passionate about travel, having visited over 70 countries.  He has been a tour leader for astronomical tours within Australia and overseas.