Bradford Astronomer to Host Zoom Event Exploring Orbital Dynamics and Chaos Theory
Bradford, UK – October 9, 2025 – Local astronomer Rod Hine will present a hybrid event via Zoom tonight at 7:30 PM, delving into the engaging world of orbits, spin, and chaos theory. Ticket holders will receive access codes 24 hours prior to the event.
Hine’s presentation will explore fundamental questions such as how gravity dictates planetary orbits, revealing that Neil Armstrong faced a near-disaster in 1966 due to spacecraft spin.He will also define chaos within a scientific context, promising engaging demonstrations – with a playful nod to health and safety regulations.
The talk will explain how the gravitational interplay between planets causes oscillations in thier orbital shapes, tilts, and spins, considerably impacting Earth’s climate. Hine will detail how, over billion-year timescales, the orbits of terrestrial planets become chaotic and ultimately unpredictable.
Hine’s lifelong passion for space began in his childhood,sparked by a Christmas gift of “The Boys Book of space” by Patrick Moore shortly after his birth just after the war. The launch of Sputnik I in 1957 further cemented his interest in physics and space travel.He earned his amateur radio license (RAE in 1962, call-sign G8AQH) and pursued Natural Sciences at Churchill College, Cambridge in 1964, later specializing in Electrical Sciences.
Following graduation,Hine worked at Marconi in Chelmsford on satellite communications,leading to assignments in Nairobi,Kenya,where he worked in meteorological communications and later taught at the Kenya Polytechnic. He returned to the UK in 1976 with his wife, Josie.
Since then, Hine has held various positions in electronics and industrial controls, and has recently lectured part-time at the University of Bradford. He rekindled his astronomical pursuits around 1992 after Josie gifted him an astronomy book, and he joined the Bradford Astronomical Society.
Further data on Rod hine can be found in the Bradford Telegraph & Argus article: