The next Brian Cox gains astronomy GCSE, age 10 "I am over the moon," Monty said. It is absolutely brilliant. The exam hall was a bit scary but I just put my head down and got on with it. Astronomy is just so fascinating. There is always something new and exciting happening. Even this week, scientists in Chile saw a star being born 1,400 light years away. Monty became interested in the subject "as soon as he could stand," inspired by his father Simon Rix, 42, who has a degree in Astronomy and Physics from University College London. Mr Rix, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Cornwall, said: "Monty is so keen. He finds it very exciting and likes the intellectual challenge. The exam wasn't easy, it is hardly a dumbed down subject.