The Director, ROG is responsible for ensuring the conservation, management and interpretation of the site is developed, implemented and maintained in a way that is consistent with the overall policies and objectives of the Museum

“Muslim scientists and clerics have called for the adoption of Mecca time to replace GMT, arguing that the Saudi city is the true centre of the Earth.”

Rocky planets, possibly with conditions suitable for life, may be more common than previously thought in our galaxy, a study has found.

Two gas giant planets, similar to Jupiter and Saturn, have been discovered orbiting a star 5000 light-years away. The discovery suggests that giant planets are likely to be found in family groups.

The science minister Ian Pearson said the international community was “on the cusp of a wave of new space exploration”, and Britain needed to take full advantage of the opportunities.

The Public Astronomer will provide both astronomy and broader science communication expertise across the Museum to enable the effective development of the ROG.

Jodrell Bank has been identified as a prime contender to win World Heritage Site status under new rules designed to recognise the importance of scientific installations.

‘STFC announced plans to withdraw the UK from the Gemini Observatory, an international collaboration that operates twin telescopes with 8m mirrors, one based in Hawaii and one in Chile.’

‘Northern Rail has issued 3,000 staff with digital watches, updated via a signal from the UK’s new time signal at Anthorn in Cumbria. The time is displayed in a digital format, which, it is hoped, will assist with punctuality.’

Help scientists map light pollution between 1 to 15 October and raise awareness about the impact of artificial lighting on the night sky.

‘Advances in technology suggest scientists are on the verge of being able to detect the presence of small, rocky planets, much like our own, around distant stars for the first time.’