Meet the Team
Team TRAC is made up of a diverse mix of people from various backgrounds and nationalities.
We are all neighbours and friends who are united by a shared passion for astronomy and all things space-related.
Team TRAC – Exploring the galaxy together
Powered by curiosity and determination
Fueled by Pepsi Max and sugary snacks
Team TRAC
James M
Team Leader
Role
My main job is to plan our club activities and get everyone organised. I also write the newsletters and maintain the optical equipment we use.
Catchphrase
"I hate these bloody clouds!"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Observing Mercury in the twilight sky
- Seeing Saturn before its rings go edge-on with Earth
- Naked-eye visible comet A3 was unexpected and rare
Favourite Planet
Jupiter – because there's always something interesting to see.
Other Hobbies
Playing keyboard, watching films, reading, and walking in the countryside.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"Galaxy Song" by Monty Python (1983)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
Q: How do you organise an astronomy club party?
A: You planet!
Matey K
Head of Observations
Role
Keeps an eye on the night sky, human version of Stellarium, incredible eyesight.
Catchphrase
"James look, it is actually clear!"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Saw 27 meteors in August's meteor shower
- Was able to make the GoTo feature work on the telescope
- Saw a moon of Jupiter with the naked eye
- B-day party
- Took many amazing photos throughout the time at TRAC
Favourite Planet
Neptune – as I have seen the faintest planet in the solar system.
Other Hobbies
Gaming, computers, karate, and eating snacks.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"TRAC Cinema Intro" by Team TRAC (2024)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
In 5 billion years from now when the Sun turns into a Red Giant, it will swallow Mercury, Venus and possibly Earth.
Pluto: Who's not a planet now?
Krum K
Head of I.T.
Role
Helps out with the astronomy website and designs posters and leaflets.
Catchphrase
"Explode!"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- I saw Mercury
- I watched on TV the 2024 US Solar eclipse
- I've seen planets and Starlink train
- Made photos and timelapse with a rather old camera
Favourite Planet
Venus – because I can see good detail through the telescope.
Other Hobbies
Gaming, piano, YouTube, karate, geography, history, going on holiday, and taking a cat for a walk.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"Kelly Watch the Stars" by Air (1998)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
A day on Mercury takes around 1408 hours...
... so does a Monday on Earth!
Charlie L
Head of Security
Role
Making sure that everyone is behaving and to see how new members act around the equipment and treatment of property.
Catchphrase
"Is there any astronomy tonight?"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Seeing 5/7 planets in a single year
- Spotting two comets since joining TRAC
- Taking detailed photos of craters on the Moon
Favourite Planet
Saturn – because it's amazing to see the rings through a telescope.
Other Hobbies
Golf, driving, photography, fishing, and motor sports.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"Rocketman" by Elton John (1972)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
Q: What does a star win in a competition?
A: A constellation prize!
Andrei M
Head of Finance
Role
My role is to ensure our club always has sufficient funds in order to keep going. I help the club spend money efficiently and help us generate money as I am an entrepenuer who has had a few businesses. I keep our revenue above our expenditures.
Catchphrase
"Get out you stupid clouds!"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Seeing the Pons-Brooks comet
- I spotted the A3 comet
Favourite Planet
Jupiter – because of its unique pattern on its surface.
Other Hobbies
Mountain biking, football, exploring abandoned places, boxing, cooking, the gym, fishing, agriculture, hunting, and building things.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"Space Oddity" by David Bowie (1969)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
Q: Why did the sun go to school?
A: To get a little brighter!
David M
Venue Hire
Role
Looks after the TRAC HQ and looks out for astronomy articles in the newspaper.
Catchphrase
"Just to let you know, the cat is roaming!"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Seeing the Starlink satellite train for the first time
- Looking at Saturn's rings with the telescope
- Observing sunspots on the Sun the day after the aurora
Favourite Planet
Mars – because I like chocolate.
Other Hobbies
Gardening, baking, touring in my Volvo, and travelling to foreign lands.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"Stargazer" by Rainbow (1976)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
Q: Why can't you have a party in space?
A: Because there's no atmosphere!
Lorraine M
KS2 Education Consultant
Role
To identify links to the National Curriculum (Science) and oversee exchange of resources (TRAC, MCPS, local libraries/book shops).
Catchphrase
"Look, there's Saturn ... Jupiter ... no, Saturn ..."
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Observing Saturn's rings through the telescope
- Observing Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury simultaneously
- Observing and tracking the ISS
Favourite Planet
Saturn – because of its distinctive rings.
Other Hobbies
Walking, swimming, theatre, visiting historical sites (member of English Heritage), travelling, and languages.
Favourite Astronomy Song
"Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra (1964)
Favourite Astronomy Joke
Q: What did Mars say to Saturn?
A: Give me a ring sometime! Ha, ha!
Matei M
Junior Club Member
Role
To listen carefully and learn from other club members.
Catchphrase
"I actually want to see this!"
Astronomy Club Highlights
- Seen the Moon with binoculars
- Taking a picture of the Sun
Favourite Planet
Mercury – because it goes around the Sun the fastest.
Other Hobbies
Play with my cats, fly a drone, cooking, and sleeping.
Favourite Astronomy Song
To be confirmed.
Favourite Astronomy Joke
To be confirmed.
We are ... ASTRONOMERS
We are ... EXPLORERS
We are ... TEAM TRAC