Timothy John O'Brien


Timothy John O'Brien is a British astronomer, currently working at the University of Manchester as Professor of Astrophysics. He often appears on the BBC.

Early life and education

He was born in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, the same day as the Conservative former MP Mark Hoban. He grew up on the A664 in Castleton, Greater Manchester in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale. He has a younger sister and a younger brother. He attended school in Rochdale. He studied Physics and Astrophysics at University College London. He studied for a PhD at the University of Manchester from 1985-88.

Career and research

He taught at the University of Liverpool in the 1990s. He began working at the University of Manchester in 1999 where he is currently Associate Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. He is also Director of Teaching & Learning in the University's School of Physics & Astronomy. From 2009-2015, he taught the first year undergraduate course in Astrophysics.
His research is primarily in the area of novae and includes both theoretical work and observations using telescopes around the world and in space working across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Broadcasting

He has appeared on Stargazing Live on BBC Two and The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4.

Personal life

He is married to Professor Teresa Anderson. He lived for a time in Macclesfield. He lives in south Manchester.