Greenwich Observatory's Public Astronomer Charged With Downloading Child Porn

A Greenwich observatory astronomer, accused of making indecent photographs of children, has appeared in court for the first time.

Marek Kukula, 49, who has had a senior role at the Royal Museums Greenwich for the last decade, holds the title of Public Astronomer.

Kukula, of Millennium Square, Borough appeared on bail at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court, which sent him to Inner London Crown Court.

He is charged that on or before October 5, last year he made 34 Category A indecent images of a child.

He also faces two further charges that on or before the same date he made 107 Category B and 266 Category C indecent images of a child.

Kukula describes himself as an experienced science communicator with a background in astronomy research at UK universities and NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute.

At the Royal Observatory Greenwich he oversees science content and exhibitions and public programmes and is a spokesperson for the landmark institution.

He is the author of two books: ‘The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who’ and ‘The Intimate Universe.’

While a project manager and researcher in residence at the University of Edinburgh he managed a national scheme to train young researchers and match them with secondary schools.

He has a degree in Physics with Astrophysics and a PhD in Radio Astronomy from the University of Manchester.

He was bailed to appear at the crown court on July 10.