Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Ben Godson

I am a PhD student in the Astronomy and Astrophysics group at the University of Warwick, supervised by Prof Danny SteeghsLink opens in a new window. I completed my MPhys in Physics with Astrophysics with the Exoplanet groupLink opens in a new window at the University of Exeter, supervised by Prof Sasha HinkleyLink opens in a new window.

Research

The bulk of my work focuses on the development of the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTOLink opens in a new window); A wide field robotic telescope network designed to locate electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events.

Photograph of the GTC and TNG telescopes above the clouds at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma
The Gran Telescopio CANARIAS and Telescopio Nazionale Galileo at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma - The site of GOTO-North

General areas of interest include instrumentation, machine learning and almost anything observational. Current work includes development of the telescope control software for GOTO and investigation into observational strategies for rapid kilonova followup campaigns.

Teaching & Outreach

While at the University of Exeter I participated heavily in the space and astronomy student society (Space Exe). Serving as its president for 2 years, and outreach secretary for the previous year.

Observational astronomy provides an amazing tool for science outreach and communication, and within astrophysics we're incredibly lucky to have such a strong hold on the attention of the public. By running regular public stargazing evenings with Space Exe we were able to strengthen that bond for hundreds of students and residents of Exeter.

I hope to continue this tradition at the University of Warwick. Both with the undergraduate astronomy society and as a member of the Physics Department.

At Warwick I work as a demonstrator for undergraduate labs (PX152-30 Physics LaboratoryLink opens in a new window). I am also involved in the commissioning of the on-campus observatoryLink opens in a new window for use in undergraduate teaching, public outreach and research projects.

Profile picture of Benjamin Godson

Write to:

Ben Godson,
Department of Physics,
University of Warwick,
Coventry CV4 7AL
UK
(he/him)

Contact details: