Role
Dr Brown teaches astronomy to both undergraduates and postgraduate students. He also supervises the astronomy project for the final year and postgraduate students.
He runs the NTU observatory as well as the NTU portable digital planetarium; he develops astronomy related outreach activities for the general public and schools. In addition, he runs regular public astronomy events at NTU open for everyone in person or online.
His expertise allows him to work closely with local, national and international press together to cover astronomy related topics.
Research areas
Physics, Materials and Sensors
Areas of research interest include stellar evolution, stellar wind, archaeoastronomy and astronomy outreach.
- Stellar Evolution: Modelling the influence of rotation on the evolution of low mass stellar evolution. Predicted properties are such as the luminosity function on the Red Giant branch, rotational velocities of Horizontal Branch stars, and surface chemical abundance changes.
- Stellar Wind – ISM Interaction: Analysing the interaction of runaway OB-stars with their surrounding ISM creating bow shock nebula using wide-field imaging and long slit spectra.
- Archaeoastronomy: Researching prehistoric construction methods of sites such as Stonehenge.
- Astronomy Outreach: Developing installations and material for a science park such as a giant sundial. Integrating astronomy into science teaching through the use of the NTU observatory.
Opportunities arise to carry out postgraduate research towards a MPhil / PhD in the areas identified above. Further information may be obtained from the NTU Graduate School.
Sponsors and collaborators
Current and recent research is being conducted with the collaboration, funding and / or support of the:
- Cornwall Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty
- Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre
- National Institute for Astrophysics (Italy)
- Royal Astronomical Society
- Astrophysics Research Institute - Liverpool John Moores University.
Publications
Supporting the Outdoor Classroom. Brown D, Francis R & Alder A, The Archaeo-Astronomy Project, School Science Review, 2013, 94 (349)
A Global Citizen of the skies. Brown D & Neale N, Educational futures (BESA), 2010, 2 (2)
Peak into the Past- An Archaeo-Astronomy Summerschool. Brown D, Neale N & Francis R, School Science Review, 2010, 93 (342), 83-90
Archaeo-Astronomy in Society. Brown D & Canas L, International Journal for Science in Society, 2010, 2 (3), 153-164
Press expertise
- Archaeo-astronomy - exploring ancient ideas of astronomy (eg Stonehenge)
- Astronomy education
- General astronomy
Dark Skies & Sky Heritage Enhancing Society
Many aspects of my practice, research and teaching links to light pollution and the heritage of the night sky. They all empower peoples of varied backgrounds to reconnect with the sky. This opens up immense potential for reflection and well being both in teaching astronomy as well as living in urban environments.
