Prof Peter Gallagher, Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics, at DIAS and Director of the Dunsink Observatory and I-LOFAR project is my guest on the podcast today. He talks to me about his astrophysics research, why his passion lies within studying the sun and how his research group makes measurements using radio telescopes and space satellites. Peter also explains the real need for understanding how the sun impacts the earth and how his research into solar flares has become more relevant with this current pandemic.

He tells me how a present of 'A Brief History of Time' ignited his passion for astrophysics, reminisces on his days at NASA in the US and how he managed to set up the I-LOFAR telescope in Birr in the middle of the recession. This chat was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining one yet! Enjoy!

Follow Peter: petertgallagher

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This season is kindly sponsored by Bio-Sciences Ltd, now part of Thermo-Fisher Scientific.