With an asteroid named after him, Professor Fred Watson, AM, is a master of the universe whose passion for astronomy will excite those who attend his public lecture at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange on Friday 12 November. Astronomer-in-charge of the Australian Astronomical Observatory at Siding Spring near Coonabarabran, NSW, Professor Watson’s main scientific interest is gathering information on very large numbers of stars and galaxies. He is well-known for his astronomy discussions on ABC Radio, has been a guest speaker at venues ranging from Parliament House and the Australian Museum, to Science in the Pub, and is in demand among science educators. Professor Watson is a frequent guest on ABC TV’s weekly science program, Catalyst, and writes regularly for several publications, including Australian Geographic and the annual Yearbook of Astronomy. To find out more about the universe and the asteroid 5691 Fredwatson, the Central West Branch of the Royal Society of NSW invites the public to attend Professor Watson’s public lecture, An alien like you, at 6pm Friday 12 November at Lecture Theatre 3, CSU in Orange. Tickets are $3 for Royal Society members, $5 for non-members.