Space | Brian May | Oxford Union

Brian May answers questions on space and astrophysics.

Space Questions:

1. What do you make of the meteor shower over the Ural Mountains in Russia that happened in February 2013?
2. 2:28 -- Would you be tempted to represent Earth as part of an older couple on a mission to Mars?
3. 4:22 -- What gets you going about interstellar dust clouds?
4. 7:52 -- Would you consider following the late Patrick Moore in presenting 'The Sky at Night?'

ABOUT BRIAN MAY:
Brian May, musician and astrophysicist, is most widely known as the guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer of the rock band Queen.
He was appointed a CBE in 2005 for services to the music industry and for his charity work. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College in 2007 and is currently serving as the 4th Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University. Planet Rock voted May the 7th greatest guitarist of all time, and he was ranked at No. 26 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. In 2012, May was ranked the 2nd greatest guitarist of all time by a Guitar World magazine readers poll.

ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[Seussenshmirtz]

His hair works well as a rock star AND a scientist

[brt]

Imagine skipping class and finding out that Brian May was a guest lecturer that day

[AmDsusFmajAm]

Newton came back and quit Physics to play with Queen. :)

[wt]

"Shit happens, I suppose!" What a legend!

[alivemetal]

The fact this man is a living rock legend and a Physics PhD still blows my mind.

[rebeccajohnson]

"It's the pursuit of knowledge darlings, isn't it?"
- Dr. May

[Jake_Prism]

"What gets me going about dust clouds.. It's the pursuit of knowledge, darling." How sweet, Freddie's definitely rubbed off on him a bit

[dmimcg]

He kind of looks like the guitar player from the band Queen.

[thispowwow]

Brian May- "Shit happens"

Everyone- *CLAPS AND GOES INSANE*

[stoneysdead]

A lot of ppl are shocked to find this man's doctorate was not just given to him by some university looking for publicity because he was interested in astronomy. He went to school like everyone else, completed his thesis, met all the requirements- and is actually a very well-respected figure in his field. It doesn't seem possible- to be as good at guitar and music in general, harmonies especially- as he is- and also have enough time and energy left over to be a well-respected PhD in astronomy- it's insane. And not only was he in one of the greatest bands of all time and helped write some of the most famous songs of all time- he also literally put the Vox AC30 amp on the map and created a signature tone with it- using handmade electronics- that ppl chase to this day and can't replicate. He was one of the first guitarists to ever use the Range master circuit- a treble boost he ran into the Vox to get that super saturated lead sound everyone loved so much- but since he also built his own guitar- electronics and all- he got a unique sound no one else can figure out. Some combination of his hand wound pickups played into that rangemaster through the Vox AC30- will give you the lead tone from "Queen Killer". But according to him you also have to crank the Vox wide open which means you better have it in another room- isolated, and mic'ed. Otherwise it's going to blow your ear drums.

[SuedeStonn]

Teacher: "Brian, what would you like to be when you grow up?"
Brian: "A Rock God and astrophysicist!"
Teacher: "Rather lofty goals, Mr. May!"
Brian: "Stay tuned!" :D


Gotta be the coolest dude on the planet, lol. ;}

[Nina-oiqk]

"The pursuit of knowledge, darling!!"....he got that from Freddie.

[rosaevelynsalas]

"It's the pursuit of knowledge, Darling" was one of my favorite passages. It was beautifully explained and everybody strucked by his ability to instill the minds of young audience. Love it..

[Jemppu]

I like to imagine he picked up those "darlings" from Freddie :)

[vipertwenty]

Isn't it good to see that not all rock stars are airheads and that some are so firmly grounded in reality like Dr May. Respect very thoroughly earned!

[licketiethugg]

Brian May such a versitile, vibrant and humble person. One of the greatest musians alive, scientist. I am a great admirer of Queen band and Brian May.

[norisalinatoc]

Brian May's voice is so soothing that even if I don't understand much about what he's talking about space and all these knowledge about what he studied, it seems interesting and I am all ears for him.

[tombdog]

I knew he was a rock legend and astrophysicist, but I didn’t know he is so charming and humble.

[noelborden]

It's the pursuit of knowledge, darling.

[cybertaiga]

Brian May is such a gem of a man. A fabulous musician and an equally fabulous scientist! I have rarely come across someone who is an expert in such diverse areas... not just an expert but well known around the world. The only other person I can I think of in more or less the same capacity maybe the former Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalam was a multi-faceted person like him- an aerospace scientist, musician/poet/author and serving his country as a statesman. Legends.