Jonti Horner

Jonti Horner

Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland

Jonti is an astronomer and astrobiologist based at the University of Southern Queensland, in Toowoomba, Queensland.

They first became interested in astronomy as a five-year-old, as a result of viewing an accidentally recorded episode of the Sky at Night.

Jonti has always been particularly interested in the Solar system, especially the small objects therein - the comets, asteroids and meteors.

In recent years, they've been expanding their research to include astrobiology and the search for, and study of, exoplanets.

Latest articles by Jonti Horner

a green comet with a faint tail in the sky against a backdrop of stars

Are we about to see a rare green comet light up the sky? An expert explains what to expect from Comet Nishimura

By Jonti Horner published

There's a slight chance Comet Nishimura might brighten unexpectedly. Astronomer Jonti Horner explains what to expect.

Stargazing
earth with half on fire and large rock in background

Curious Kids: What would happen if the world split in half?

By Jonti Horner published

The solar system isn't as violent as it used to be, when giant impacts could shatter worlds.

Earth
planets comets round shape

I've always wondered: Why are the stars, planets and moons round, when comets and asteroids aren’t?

By Jonti Horner published

This is a fantastic question Lionel, and a really good observation!

Asteroids