Out-of-this-world virtual book launch with Brian May

In celebration of their new book of 3-D images taking readers inside the birth and death of stars, Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May is joining Astronomy editor David J Eicher and astrophotographer J-P Metsävainio in an online global book launch this Wednesday (23rd September). 

The event, billed as "the world’s first ever online global book launch of its kind", will see the co-authors behind Cosmic Clouds 3-D (published by The London Stereoscopic Company) participate in a discussion chaired by Science Museum Keeper of Collections Alison Boyle, accompanied by "mesmerising" imagery, which can be appreciated in 2D, or in 3D for those with a stereoscopic viewer. 

The panel will explore how the universe creates stars from recycled gas and how our solar system will end as a glowing planetary nebula. Photography from the book, peering into the nebulae–the cosmic clouds inhabited by infant suns–will also be previewed.

Held from 8pm until 9pm on 23rd September, attendees will also have the chance to put their own questions to speakers on the night.

The event is free to join on

, and it's possible to sign up in advance on the Science Museum's website.