#253 Ryan Milligan: Lorry Driving, Astrophysics & Space Truckers

Dr. Ryan Milligan is a lecturer in the Astrophysics Research Center at Queen’s University Belfast. His research focuses on the study of the sun and how it can impact our planet.   After graduating from Queen’s University in 2007 he spent several years at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center outside Washington, DC, and two years at the University of Glasgow, before returning home in 2019.    Before embarking on his astrophysics career, Ryan was a full-time truck driver, and can still be seen behind the wheel from time to time. He is also an avid solar eclipse chaser.   In today’s show we talk about: Growing up working in fish factories in Ardglass The life-changing moment of experiencing his first total solar eclipse How he went from truck-driving to studying Astrophysics Landing jobs at NASA, University of Glasgow and Queen’s University His incredible TV Show Space Truckers that was picked up by the BBC Why studying solar flares matters His plans to launch a rocket in 2024 And the most challenging/successful moment of the journey so far.    Check it out.   https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/ryan-milligan-astrophysics