WELCOME, STARGAZER
I'm a freelance astronomer, astrophotographer and science communicator working in London, formerly based at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. I aim to inspire people to take a closer look at their Universe, explore its inner workings and discover its breathtaking beauty.
Being a city dweller, I take every opportunity to chase dark skies, eclipses and aurorae, but I'm also keen to promote stargazing to everyone. It's something we can all engage with, no matter where we happen to live.
Being a city dweller, I take every opportunity to chase dark skies, eclipses and aurorae, but I'm also keen to promote stargazing to everyone. It's something we can all engage with, no matter where we happen to live.
I’m an experienced speaker, writer and press expert with a passion for the night sky and a background in astrophysics. I have a broad interest in science and public engagement, including broadcasting and museums, but I prefer to focus my own expertise to the highest standard I can achieve.
When I'm not embedded in astronomical projects, I can usually be found running, enjoying music, travelling and hunting world class coffee.
I put together this website to share some of my work, and provide an avenue for you to contact me. Let's collaborate!
When I'm not embedded in astronomical projects, I can usually be found running, enjoying music, travelling and hunting world class coffee.
I put together this website to share some of my work, and provide an avenue for you to contact me. Let's collaborate!
ASTRONOMY
…is the oldest natural science, and a portal to a lifetime of learning. In a few short centuries since the introduction of the telescope, our horizon has expanded on a scale unimaginable to the stargazers of the Antiquity and Middle Ages.
We've discovered that the Universe is still cooling from an extraordinary change of state 13.8 billion years ago, the afterglow of which permeates every cubic millimetre of space, and that its countless stars and worlds surely outnumber every breath drawn by every human who has ever lived.
But at its most simplistic, astronomy is contemplation of the night sky. As stargazers, we can all participate in discovering and understanding what is happening across the Universe.
We've discovered that the Universe is still cooling from an extraordinary change of state 13.8 billion years ago, the afterglow of which permeates every cubic millimetre of space, and that its countless stars and worlds surely outnumber every breath drawn by every human who has ever lived.
But at its most simplistic, astronomy is contemplation of the night sky. As stargazers, we can all participate in discovering and understanding what is happening across the Universe.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
…is an exciting and rapidly growing field, with a bustling community exploring the limits of image capture and processing methods.
By overcoming the limits of the eye, cameras can produce astonishing results when pointed to the stars.
As a tutor, I welcome any aspiring astrophotographer, and aim to bring them up to speed, so they can quickly begin taking beautiful space photos. You can see a selection of my images to the right. I believe that anyone passionate enough could capture them.
In 2019, I became a judge on the world's largest astrophotography competition - Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
By overcoming the limits of the eye, cameras can produce astonishing results when pointed to the stars.
As a tutor, I welcome any aspiring astrophotographer, and aim to bring them up to speed, so they can quickly begin taking beautiful space photos. You can see a selection of my images to the right. I believe that anyone passionate enough could capture them.
In 2019, I became a judge on the world's largest astrophotography competition - Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
PRESS & MEDIA
Learning about the Universe fuels the public imagination, and shouldn't be confined only to academic institutions. I relish the opportunity to bring astronomy to the widest possible audience, whether it's about scientific developments, current events in the sky or popular culture. Notable credits include:
- TV: BBC - Horizon, The One Show, London News, News 24, World News, Newsround, The Sky at Night; ITV News; Channel 4 News; Channel 5 News; The Saturday Show; Sunday Brunch; Sky News; CNN International - CNN Inspirations; The Weather Network
- Radio: BBC - Radio 2 (Chris Evans), Radio 4 (Natural Histories, PM Programme, The Compass), Regional News, 5 Live (News, Hitlist), World Service (WHYS), Mark Forrest Show; LBC; Classic FM; Capital FM
- Written work & comment: The Guardian (Starwatch), Mashable, Daily Mail, Evening Standard, Radio Times, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Astronomy Now, Londonist, Express, Space.com, The Sun, Financial Times, Telegraph, FHM, Economic Times, Shutterbug
PUBLISHED BOOKS & CONTRIBUTIONS
STARGAZING: BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ASTRONOMY
(2016)
So you want to be a stargazer? Together with my friend and colleague Radmila Topalovic, we've produced a comprehensive yet concise book about getting started with this great hobby, available from Collins. We set out to write the ultimate introductory guide to astronomy, fully illustrated with easy to interpret diagrams and star charts.
Click below to listen to an interview between Radmila and myself, and Monocle Radio's Robert Bound.
(2016)
So you want to be a stargazer? Together with my friend and colleague Radmila Topalovic, we've produced a comprehensive yet concise book about getting started with this great hobby, available from Collins. We set out to write the ultimate introductory guide to astronomy, fully illustrated with easy to interpret diagrams and star charts.
Click below to listen to an interview between Radmila and myself, and Monocle Radio's Robert Bound.
MOONGAZING: BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE MOON
(2018)
Following the success of Stargazing, Moongazing is a focussed guide to our nearest neighbour in space. It covers the properties of the Moon and its orbit, as well as the history of exploration, both robotic and manned.
Featuring clear charts for the novice moon-watcher, as well as a comprehensive guide to photographing the lunar surface, Moongazing is a perfect starting point for anyone longing to get closer to our celestial companion.
(2018)
Following the success of Stargazing, Moongazing is a focussed guide to our nearest neighbour in space. It covers the properties of the Moon and its orbit, as well as the history of exploration, both robotic and manned.
Featuring clear charts for the novice moon-watcher, as well as a comprehensive guide to photographing the lunar surface, Moongazing is a perfect starting point for anyone longing to get closer to our celestial companion.
If you want to know more, or have a collaboration in mind, I'd love to hear from you.
TOM KERSS :: ASTRONOMY
I'm an astronomer and science communicator based in London, and currently working at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. I aim to inspire people to take a closer look at their Universe, explore its inner workings and discover its breathtaking beauty.
I’m an experienced speaker, writer and press expert with a passion for the night sky and a background in astrophysics. I have a broad interest in science and public engagement, including broadcasting and museums, but I prefer to focus my own expertise to the highest standard I can achieve.
I’m an experienced speaker, writer and press expert with a passion for the night sky and a background in astrophysics. I have a broad interest in science and public engagement, including broadcasting and museums, but I prefer to focus my own expertise to the highest standard I can achieve.





