Before the Hubble Telescope, there was David Malin.

Among the world's most revered astronomical photographers, Malin will be visiting Michaels camera store in the Melbourne CBD, from 1 - 2pm, Tuesday December 2 to launch Ancient Light - A Portrait of the Universe, a lavishly-illustrated photographic exploration of the universe.

One of Australia's 'living treasures' - revered internationally among both astronomers and photographers - Malin is also a fascinating professional public speaker, and will deliver a short lecture on his work, followed by a book-signing session.

Malin's photographs have been widely published and have been on the covers of hundreds of books and magazines including LIFE and National Geographic. His work also graces a series of Australian postage stamps. International solo art exhibitions of his work have been held in Australia, Britain, China, France, Italy, India and the USA.

Ancient Light is the finest collection of images of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and other spectacular astral phenomena photographed by the pioneer of modern astronomical photography. Among other achievements over a distinguished career as an astronomer and photographer, Malin invented new ways of capturing the unseen universe on photographic plates, leading to the discovery of two new types of galaxies.

The new book - Malin's ninth - features richly-detailed images made from a series of Malin's meticuloulsy-crafted platinum prints, along with engaging text explaining the images and an an introductory essay describing the history and challenges of making photographs of the stars.

Ancient Light is published to coincide with the International Year of Astronomy 2009, a global program by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO to promote awareness of the impact of astronomy on our daily lives.

EVENT: Lecture and book launch
TIME: Tuesday, December 1, 1.05pm - 2pm (Short lecture followed by book signing.)
VENUE: Michaels Auditorium, Level 1, Michaels: Cnr Elizabeth & Lonsdale Sts, Melbourne

Admission is free although a booking is required. Go to : http://www.michaels.com.au/malin
Media contact Peter Michael: 03 9672 2302 peterm@michaels.com.au