2026 News

First ‘backwards’ planet discovered around a small star challenges ideas about how planets form
21 September 2026

Queen Mary Astronomy Unit researchers help reveal an unusual exoplanet orbit that could provide new clues about the formation and evolution of planetary systems 

European Space Agency recommends Plasma Observatory mission to be selected
12 June 2026

Queen Mary Astronomy Unit research on the properties of the Universe featured in New Scientist
15 May 2026

Research from members of Queen Mary's Astronomy Unit on long-held assumptions about the Universe have been featured in an article from the New Scientist magazine.

Queen Mary Astronomy Unit awarded £1.5 million for astrophysics and space science research
10 February 2026

Researchers in the Astronomy Unit (AU), in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary, have been awarded a total of £1.5 million from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to fund 3 research projects over the next 3 years.

Queen Mary hosts international PLATO Theory Meeting as ESA's exoplanet mission approaches launch
14 January 2026

Queen Mary's Astronomy Unit (AU) has just hosted the third PLATO Theory Meeting, bringing more than 70 researchers to Mile End to discuss how the community can make the most of ESA's forthcoming exoplanet mission, PLATO.