About - Space Detectives Astronomy Workshops

Hi I'm Jo Richardson and I have had a passion for Astronomy and Space since childhood. I have worked in Public Outreach for many years, covering not only all astronomy events run by Exmoor National Dark Sky Reserve but also those that form part of the BBC Stargazing Live South West.

I am the event co-ordinator for both the Wells and Mendip and Tiverton and Mid Devon Astronomy Societies and assist in running all of their public education and outreach events. I am also involved with the National Trust and AONB here in Somerset where I organise and run public astronomy and space workshop events both at Brean Down, Charterhouse Observatory and Taunton Museum.

I am one of the 10 UK Space Ambassadors and represent the South West, working on behalf of ESERO-UK (European Space Education Office) which is part of the National STEM Learning Centre and funded by the European Space Agency and other partners. In 2018 I was awarded a BIS Sir Arthur Clarke Space Achievement Award for working within the Tim Peake Primary Project Outreach and Education Team.
I am also a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, London.


I have long held the belief that if I manage to inspire just one person to look above them and see the wonders of what lies beyond our planet, then my job has been wholly worthwhile.