Oxfordshire – Inquest opens after death of well-known astronomer

Owen Brazell is understood to have been driving to a star party in North Norfolk on March 16 when he fatally collided with a lorry in his Subaru.

The 68-year-old was a keen amateur astronomer, chairman of the Abingdon Astronomical Society and president of the Webb Society since 2019.

The well-known Faringdon resident had also given talks at various other astronomical societies and was a regular contributor to the Astronomy Now magazine.

It is understood he was driving to Kelling Heath Star Party that morning, which is a gathering of amateur astronomers to observe the night sky, share equipment and socialise.

An inquest opened into Mr Brazell’s death at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on April 2.

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Owen Brazell died in a crash on the A420 near Kingston Bagpuize (Image: The Society for Popular Astronomy)

The inquest heard in was born in Toronto, Canada, worked as a high-performing systems architect and lived in Faringdon.

His cause of death was given as ‘multiple injuries’.

The case was adjourned for a full inquest to be held on July 8 at 8am.

Tributes poured in for Mr Brazell after his death.

Steve Creasy, of the Abingdon Astronomical Society, said: “He knew so much about deep sky observing and was a regular at the Spring and Autumn Star Camps in Kielder and Kelling.

“He had been involved with Abingdon Astronomical Society since the 1990s and was a driving force as our chairman.

“Condolences to his family and to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by us all.”

He added: “His loss will be felt greatly by the UK astronomy community and especially so by those of us who considered him a friend. Take your place in the stars Owen and rest in peace.”

Amateur astronomer Theodore Thomas Tsikas said: “Owen will be missed by the many friends he made at the Abingdon Astronomical Society, where he inspired many people with his enthusiasm, deep knowledge, sense of duty and humour.

“I wish I could have thanked him while he was still with us. My condolences to his loved ones.”

A tribute from Cristina Garcia Pozuelo Sanchez added: “Owen we miss you already. I love the fact that you got into taking pictures of the night sky and we could chat about our smart telescopes.

“Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and thank you for being a friend and an astronomy mentor.”

The Society for Popular Astronomy said amateur astronomy “has lost another star” with the death Mr Brazell, describing him as a “noted deep-sky observer”.

“Owen was president of the Webb Society, which is devoted to deep-sky work, and was a leading light in the BAA Deep Sky Section,” a spokesman said.

“Owen was widely known throughout UK amateur astronomy, and was just recently at the Practical Astronomy Show where he met many friends.”