[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Last Updated: Thursday, 23 August 2007, 17:53 GMT 18:53 UK
Queen star celebrates doctorate
Brian May with Professor Paul Nandra
Brian May (left) handed over his thesis to Professor Paul Nandra

Queen star Brian May has gained his doctorate in Astronomy - 36 years after starting his thesis.

The rock guitarist, who abandoned his studies to pursue a career in music, was told of his success after taking a three-hour exam to discuss his work.

The 60-year-old, who handed in his 48,000-word tome earlier this month, said: "You can call me Dr May!"

The musician will be officially handed his PhD from London's Imperial College at the Royal Albert Hall next spring.

'Very keen'

"I feel comfortable about using the title because I worked for this, and I'm going to be proud to call myself Doctor from now on," May, who lives in Surrey, told the BBC News website.

He also holds two honorary doctorates.

May said that his oral examination - or viva - was "very, very tough", but wanted his thesis to be scrutinised by academics.

"It's a bit like an album - you've got to live with it for the rest of your life, so you want it to be perfect," said the rock star.

May has been awarded a category two pass, which means he must make a few amendments to his work in the coming weeks.

The performer's thesis is entitled Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud, and he has been in the Canary Islands to carry out some astronomical observations.

May said he is "very keen" to carry out some further research and added that "some pretty spectacular stuff" could be achieved.


SEE ALSO
Queen star hands in science PhD
03 Aug 07 |  Entertainment
May looks to sky to complete PhD
23 Jul 07 |  Entertainment
Mission aims at highest clouds
26 Apr 07 |  Science/Nature
Queen declared 'top British band'
02 Jan 07 |  Entertainment
'Dead star' erupts for big show
07 Apr 06 |  Science/Nature

RELATED BBC LINKS

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific