Timothy John O'Brien (born 31 March 1964) is a British astronomer, currently working at the University of Manchester as Professor of Astrophysics. He often appears on the BBC.
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Early life
He was born in Littleborough, Greater Manchester. He grew up in Castleton, Greater Manchester (on the A664 road near the M62 Thornham Interchange), in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale. He has a younger sister (born 1965) and a younger brother (born 1967). He attended school in Rochdale.
He studied Physics and Astrophysics at University College London. He studied for a PhD at the University of Manchester from 1985-88.
Career
He taught at the University of Liverpool in the 1990s.
He began working at the University of Manchester in 1999 where he is currently Associate Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. He is also Director of Teaching & Learning in the University's School of Physics & Astronomy. From 2009-2015, he taught the first year undergraduate course in Astrophysics.
Research
His research is primarily in the area of novae (thermonuclear explosions on white dwarf stars in binary star systems) and includes both theoretical work and observations using telescopes around the world and in space working across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Broadcasting
He has appeared on Stargazing Live on BBC Two and The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4.
Personal life
He is married to Professor Teresa Anderson (born 1 December 1962). He lived for a time in Macclesfield. He lives in south Manchester.