Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a British space scientist and science communicator. She was born in London, England, in 1968. She builds instruments for satellites and telescopes. She also hosts the BBC show The Sky at Night and inspires thousands of children to love science.

Early Life

Aderin-Pocock was born to Nigerian parents in London. She was dyslexic and moved schools many times as a child. She dreamed of going to space after watching Star Trek. She studied physics at Imperial College London and earned a PhD in mechanical engineering.

Science Career

Aderin-Pocock has built instruments used in satellites to study the Earth and weather. She helped create a landmine detector to keep people safe. She co-hosts The Sky at Night, the longest-running science show on TV. She visits hundreds of schools each year to inspire children about science.

Fun Facts

• Maggie Aderin-Pocock visits about 100 schools every year to talk about science.
• She co-hosts The Sky at Night, the longest-running science show on television.
• She helped build a landmine-detecting device.

Did You Know?

Maggie Aderin-Pocock was told as a child that she would never become a scientist. She proved everyone wrong and is now one of the most famous science communicators in Britain.