@ Here in Brighton & Hove, we are used to watching the tides rise and fall twice each day. But such tidal forces are active throughout our Universe, with both creative and destructive results. Gravity is well known as the force that binds the cosmos together, yet it is the differences in gravity that lead to some of the most dramatic phenomena in the Universe. From ocean tides that gave rise to life on Earth (and possibly elsewhere in our solar system, and beyond), to the destruction of stars by supermassive black holes and the evolution of entire galaxies, this talk will present an overview of how tidal forces have shaped our Universe across a vast range of scales. Dr Darren Baskill is a lecturer and outreach officer in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Sussex, with over 30 years’ experience of professional and amateur astronomy, and in organising and delivering science events for schools, colleges, and the public. He is an astrophysicist, educator, lecturer and photographer who specialises in communicating astronomy to the public, giving talks and working with the media on all aspects of astronomy and astrophotography, having appeared on BBC TV, radio and news online on many occasions, as well as frequently writing for the BBC Focus magazine. If you sign up via meetup but can no longer attend, please update your status to say that you are no longer attending so that someone on the waiting list gets a place. Please only come along if you’ve signed up, as we’re limited on space so won’t be able to fit anyone else in. Attendance is free, but we would be grateful if those of you who are able to could donate a few pounds to help cover the cost of hiring the event space. We will have a card reader and a money box you can drop your donations in on the night. We also have a bank account you can donate to electronically. Brighton Astro is inclusive and welcomes everybody. DOORS : 7.00pm LECTURE : 7.30pm Register to Attend

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