RPS Imaging Science Group

October 7th & 8th 2010, The Royal Astronomical Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BQ

In October 1910 Professor Robert Wood presented his paper to the Royal Photographic Society in London  “Photography by Invisible Rays”, describing the use of an infrared plate to make a permanent image in the near infrared. Since that time significant advances have been made in infrared thermal imaging, with applications across a broad spectrum from medicine, industry and astronomy.

Two day seminars, the first on the development and general applications of infrared imaging, and the second on infrared imaging in astronomy will be held in London. The first will be organised under the auspices of The Royal Photographic Society, Imaging Science Group, and the second by the Royal Astronomical Society.

The identification of infrared rays is attributed to Sir William Herschel who presented his findings to the Royal Society in 1800. Sir William became the first president of the Royal Astronomical Society that was founded in 1820. In 2009, the Herschel Space telescope was launched carrying a multi-spectral infrared camera system. Some of the first observational images from this current mission will form part of the second day seminar.