Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) – astronomer, mathematician, visionary, dreamer, explorer, astrologer – is best known for his laws of planetary motion, providing one of the foundations for Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravitation. This illustrated talk focuses as much on the personal and family life of this ‘weird genius’, as on his towering scientific achievements and their impact.

Nicholas Pallett BSc has worked mainly as a musician, singer, lyricist & composer in many genres including musical theatre, and in many parts of the world, and more recently as a music teacher / lecturer for the Bristol & Bath Education Authorities. In the fields of Astronomy and the History of Science he considers himself an ‘amateur’, in the true sense of the word.