June 30th, 2015

Around 500 astronomers and space scientists will gather at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Wales, from 5-9 July, for the Royal Astronomical Society National Astronomy Meeting (NAM 2015). The conference is the largest regular professional astronomy event in the UK and will see leading researchers from around the world presenting the latest work in a variety of fields.
Polar-ring galaxy NGC 660.
NAM 2015 will be held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the UK Solar Physics (UKSP) andMagnetosphere Ionosphere Solar-Terrestrial physics (MIST) groups. The conference is principally sponsored by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) and theScience and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Sessions at NAM 2015 will cover a diverse range of topics, including new models for the origin, evolution and fate of the universe; results from recent planetary missions like Rosetta and MESSENGER, and what New Horizons might tell us about Pluto during the first-ever flyby on 14 July; the habitability of planets around other stars; giant surveys carried out by Gaia and similar projects; and public engagement.
Alongside the formal meeting a suite of events will run for schools and the general public. Highlights include a science show with UK Slam ChampionDeanna Rodger and astrobiologist, broadcaster and author Lewis Dartnell, and a lecture by the Astronomer Royal, Lord Rees of Ludlow.
A day for teachers will be an integral part of the conference, funded by the National Schools Observatory, ESERO-UK and theOgden Trust, and leading outreach experts will be working with schools in the area. Monday will see a 'hack day', sponsored by GitHub, where delegates will develop virtual and physical tools to help researchers with their work.
Meeting arrangements and a full and up to date schedule of the scientific programme can be found on the official website and via Twitter.
Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the Meeting and can register at no cost. Press room facilities will be available for the duration of the conference – from 0900 BST on Monday 6 July to 1430 BST on Thursday 9 July. A series of releases, issued under embargo, will cover key scientific results presented at the meeting.

Image: Polar-ring galaxy NGC 660.