Mike (Michael) Edmunds is a British astrophysicist, known for his research on the interpretation of the chemical composition of the Universe and the origin of interstellar dust.

Education

He received his undergraduate degree and his doctorate from the

University of Cambridge , mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts. Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge. , established = , other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...

Career

He has lived and worked in Wales for over 35 years. He is an Emeritus Professor and former Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at

Cardiff University , latin_name = , image_name = Shield of the University of Cardiff.svg , image_size = 150px , caption = Coat of arms of Cardiff University , motto = cy, Gwirionedd, Undod a Chytgord , mottoeng = Truth, Unity and Concord , established = 1 ...

in Wales. He has served on many committees and panels of the UK Research Councils, The Royal Astronomical Society and the

Institute of Physics The Institute of Physics (IOP) is a UK-based learned society and professional body that works to advance physics education, research and application. It was founded in 1874 and has a worldwide membership of over 20,000. The IOP is the Physica ...

. He was formerly a member of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council.

Research

His main areas of research have been in the determination and interpretation of the chemical composition of galaxies and the Universe. He has also worked on the origin of interstellar dust. In later years, he has focused on the history of astronomy and science within society.

Antikythera Mechanism Research Project

He heads the

Antikythera Mechanism Research Project The Antikythera mechanism ( ) is an Ancient Greek hand-powered orrery, described as the oldest example of an analogue computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance. It could also be used to track the four-y ...

: an international collaboration investigating the extraordinary astronomical machine dating from around the 200 BC, discovered by sponge divers over a century ago, off the Greek island of

Antikythera Antikythera or Anticythera ( ) is a Greek island lying on the edge of the Aegean Sea, between Crete and Peloponnese. In antiquity the island was known as (). Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality of Kythira islan ...

.
An Initial Assessment of the Accuracy of the Gear Trains in the Antikythera Mechanism

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Edmunds, Mike 21st-century British astronomers Living people Year of birth missing (living people) Alumni of the University of Cambridge Academics of Cardiff University 20th-century British astronomers