A FORMER senior lecturer of astrophysics at the University of Glasgow is set to explain more about the night skies above us at a talk in Helensburgh.

Dr Alexander MacKinnon will shine a light - metaphorically at least - on what can be seen in the dark skies, and where and how to look, with the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Helensburgh on Monday, March 4 at 2pm in the Helensburgh Parish Church Hall.

A senior lecturer at Glasgow University until he retired in 2021, Dr MacKinnon taught in the university's School of Physics and Astronomy.

A spokesperson for the Helensburgh U3A group said: “He combined research into astrophysics of the sun with a role in education, organising and teaching courses for the public and enabling mature students access to university.”

During his career, Dr MacKinnon undertook visiting positions at space science laboratories at University of California, Berkeley in 2007 and Mackenzie University in São Paulo, Brazil in 2013.

He was a board member of CESRA [the Community of European Solar Radio Astronomers] from 2001 to 2014.

Though now retired, Dr MacKinnon retains his interest in research and in spreading knowledge of science.

Coffee and tea are available after the talk and there is a charge of £1 towards room hire.

U3A talks are open only to members, and those who wish to join can fine out more by visiting the Helensburgh group's official website at www.u3asites.org.uk/helensburgh.