Building Habitable Worlds
Lead Research Organisation:
Natural History Museum
Department Name: Earth Sciences
Abstract
The solar system formed from the collapse of a molecular cloud of gas and dust ~4.6 billion years ago. But how did that gas and dust coalesce into the Sun and eight planets that we see today? What processes and events led to the formation of habitable planets like the Earth? And how do the conditions at the birth of our solar system compare to what we see in other solar systems? I will answer these questions by studying meteorites and returned extra-terrestrial samples, rocky time capsules that can be used to probe the earliest stages of solar system formation and the evolution of planets.
Some meteorites come from asteroids that have remained dormant throughout their history and preserve the very dust that was once swirling around the newly forming Sun. I will investigate the minerals found within the most pristine meteorites using cutting-edge analytical techniques. I will observe the relationship between minerals and organic matter, examine the first stages of accretion, and explore how these minerals relate to dust seen in interstellar space and protoplanetary disks around young stars.
In the last decade new computer models and the discovery of exoplanets have shown that solar systems are dramatically shaped by giant planet migration. The inward and outward movement of Jupiter and Saturn caused turbulence and widespread mixing of materials from the inner and outer regions of the solar system. By identifying evidence of this transport and mixing in the meteorite record, I will understand the dynamic history of the solar system, and learn about the diversity of materials in the protoplanetary disk and the precursors to the Earth.
Water may have been delivered to habitable planets by asteroids. Two space missions, JAXA's Hayabusa2 and NASA's OSIRIS-REx, aim to collect samples from the surfaces of the water-rich asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, respectively. I will study the mineralogy and composition of hydrated meteorites and samples returned from asteroids in order to understand the aqueous and thermal history of primitive water-rich bodies, and constrain the nature and distribution of volatiles and organics in the early solar system.
Some meteorites come from asteroids that have remained dormant throughout their history and preserve the very dust that was once swirling around the newly forming Sun. I will investigate the minerals found within the most pristine meteorites using cutting-edge analytical techniques. I will observe the relationship between minerals and organic matter, examine the first stages of accretion, and explore how these minerals relate to dust seen in interstellar space and protoplanetary disks around young stars.
In the last decade new computer models and the discovery of exoplanets have shown that solar systems are dramatically shaped by giant planet migration. The inward and outward movement of Jupiter and Saturn caused turbulence and widespread mixing of materials from the inner and outer regions of the solar system. By identifying evidence of this transport and mixing in the meteorite record, I will understand the dynamic history of the solar system, and learn about the diversity of materials in the protoplanetary disk and the precursors to the Earth.
Water may have been delivered to habitable planets by asteroids. Two space missions, JAXA's Hayabusa2 and NASA's OSIRIS-REx, aim to collect samples from the surfaces of the water-rich asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, respectively. I will study the mineralogy and composition of hydrated meteorites and samples returned from asteroids in order to understand the aqueous and thermal history of primitive water-rich bodies, and constrain the nature and distribution of volatiles and organics in the early solar system.
Planned Impact
Academic beneficiaries of this proposal will be the researchers studying the formation of solar systems and the evolution of planets. This proposal will provide new insights and breakthroughs in our understanding of how solar systems and habitable planets come together, which will stimulate new research and innovation in the field. It will support the UK's position as a world-leading nation in the analysis and curation of returned extra-terrestrial materials. This proposal is also highly inter-disciplinary and will impact researchers in the wider planetary science, remote sensing and astronomy communities. Furthermore, it will maintain the health of other research disciplines, for example by developing analytical techniques, protocols and facilities with applications in other research fields such as material sciences, life sciences and medicine.
High-tech industries will have an active interest in the outcomes of this proposal. Scientific breakthroughs can only be achieved using advanced instrumentation developed through collaborations between researchers and technological specialists. Strong working relationships with high-tech companies are required to produce analytical tools with unique capabilities for answering questions regarding the formation of solar systems. This proposal will lead to the creation of a highly skilled workforce that can drive future economies and improve the UK's standing in the international community. Successful delivery of this proposal will sustain economic growth by demonstrating the capabilities of new technology and generating brand awareness for companies, leading to significant financial gains that can be re-invested in the workforce and used to develop new ground-breaking methods. This proposal is directly relevant to current and future extra-terrestrial sample return missions, which are income generators for industries such as manufacturing, IT and telecommunications. In Year 4 of this proposal I will host a workshop that brings together major stakeholders in the space industry in order to provide an opportunity for these partners to network and explore how the UK's research and innovation infrastructure could be exploited to lead the next generation of sample return missions.
Space exploration and asteroid mining will be major future economic drivers. This proposal will enhance our understanding of the nature and diversity of asteroids and establish a research group working at the forefront of planetary science. It will therefore benefit policy-makers by producing internationally recognised expertise and advocacy in asteroid science and boosting the UK's global status in this field.
Wider society exhibits a keen interest in planetary science research and the important role it can play in our lives. This proposal will engage schoolchildren beginning to develop an understanding of scientific enquiry, and older students studying advanced scientific disciplines at universities and colleges. A key aim of the proposal is to set-up a Schools Meteor Camera Network to engage school students and teachers by giving them a hands-on role in cutting-edge meteor and meteorite research efforts, helping to inspire a new generation of scientists and skilled workers. It will feed into and directly benefit the outreach programme of the Natural History Museum, but also be applicable to other institutions such as the Science Museum or the National Space Centre. The proposal aims to highlight the impact of UK planetary science through exhibitions and outreach events, talks at schools and societies, media coverage, and by attending science festivals. In particular, the proposal will exploit the excitement around space missions by participating in the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. This proposal will study material from the national meteorite collection, increasing its scientific and cultural value and highlighting its international significance.
High-tech industries will have an active interest in the outcomes of this proposal. Scientific breakthroughs can only be achieved using advanced instrumentation developed through collaborations between researchers and technological specialists. Strong working relationships with high-tech companies are required to produce analytical tools with unique capabilities for answering questions regarding the formation of solar systems. This proposal will lead to the creation of a highly skilled workforce that can drive future economies and improve the UK's standing in the international community. Successful delivery of this proposal will sustain economic growth by demonstrating the capabilities of new technology and generating brand awareness for companies, leading to significant financial gains that can be re-invested in the workforce and used to develop new ground-breaking methods. This proposal is directly relevant to current and future extra-terrestrial sample return missions, which are income generators for industries such as manufacturing, IT and telecommunications. In Year 4 of this proposal I will host a workshop that brings together major stakeholders in the space industry in order to provide an opportunity for these partners to network and explore how the UK's research and innovation infrastructure could be exploited to lead the next generation of sample return missions.
Space exploration and asteroid mining will be major future economic drivers. This proposal will enhance our understanding of the nature and diversity of asteroids and establish a research group working at the forefront of planetary science. It will therefore benefit policy-makers by producing internationally recognised expertise and advocacy in asteroid science and boosting the UK's global status in this field.
Wider society exhibits a keen interest in planetary science research and the important role it can play in our lives. This proposal will engage schoolchildren beginning to develop an understanding of scientific enquiry, and older students studying advanced scientific disciplines at universities and colleges. A key aim of the proposal is to set-up a Schools Meteor Camera Network to engage school students and teachers by giving them a hands-on role in cutting-edge meteor and meteorite research efforts, helping to inspire a new generation of scientists and skilled workers. It will feed into and directly benefit the outreach programme of the Natural History Museum, but also be applicable to other institutions such as the Science Museum or the National Space Centre. The proposal aims to highlight the impact of UK planetary science through exhibitions and outreach events, talks at schools and societies, media coverage, and by attending science festivals. In particular, the proposal will exploit the excitement around space missions by participating in the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. This proposal will study material from the national meteorite collection, increasing its scientific and cultural value and highlighting its international significance.
Organisations
- Natural History Museum (Fellow, Lead Research Organisation)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (Collaboration)
- University of Manchester (Collaboration)
- Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (Collaboration)
- Curtin University (Collaboration)
- The Open University (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW (Collaboration)
- Royal Holloway, University of London (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF KENT (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Ashley King (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |
Publications
Bates H
(2023)
The bulk mineralogy, elemental composition, and water content of the Winchcombe CM chondrite fall
in Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Curtis R
(2023)
Bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements of the Winchcombe meteorite using the Visible Oxford Space Environment Goniometer
in Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Daly L
(2022)
Ending 30 years of hurt: the Winchcombe meteorite
in Elements
De Moortel I
(2023)
Future UK solar system science
in Astronomy & Geophysics
Gassot O
(2021)
Calathus: A sample-return mission to Ceres
in Acta Astronautica
Genge M.
(2023)
The fusion crust of the Winchcombe meteorite: a preserved record of atmospheric entry processes
in Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Grant H
(2023)
Bulk mineralogy, water abundance, and hydrogen isotope composition of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites
in Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Greenwood R
(2023)
The formation and aqueous alteration of CM2 chondrites and their relationship to CO3 chondrites: A fresh isotopic (O, Cd, Cr, Si, Te, Ti, and Zn) perspective from the Winchcombe CM2 fall
in Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Hamm M
(2022)
Mid-infrared emissivity of partially dehydrated asteroid (162173) Ryugu shows strong signs of aqueous alteration.
in Nature communications
Iannini Lelarge S
(2022)
Asteroids accretion, differentiation, and break-up in the Vesta source region: Evidence from cosmochemistry of mesosiderites
in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Title | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite |
Description | Video about the Winchcombe meteorite |
Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | Engagement with the public |
URL | https://twitter.com/NHM_Meteorites/status/1545043482967871488 |
Title | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite |
Description | Website about the Winchcombe meteorite |
Type Of Art | Artefact (including digital) |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | Engagement with the public |
URL | https://www.thewinchcombemeteorite.co.uk/ |
Title | Winchcombe meteorite |
Description | Public display of the Winchcombe meteorite in the Natural History Museum and the Winchcombe museum. |
Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Impact | Public engagement, drawing visitors to both museums to see the first UK meteorite for 30 years. |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57099789 |
Description | The Winchcombe meteorite is the first to be recovered in the UK for 30 years, and the first ever carbonaceous chondrite. Carbonaceous chondrites are 4.6 billion-year-old relics of the early solar system that can provide crucial inisghts into the formation of planets and the origin of water and life on Earth. The Winchcombe meteorite has a pre-atmospheric orbit that links it to the main asteroid belt, and was rapidly recovered before terrestrial modification. It is therefore a unique sample of importance to the international planetary science community. Analysis of samples returned by JAXA's Hayabusa2 spacecraft from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu are transforming our understanding of pristine solar system materials. Analyses have shown that Ryugu formed in the outer regions of the solar system and is similar to the CI carbonaceous chondrites, which have primitive chemical compositions and contain abundant hydrated minerals and organic matter. |
Exploitation Route | Characterisiation of the Winchcombe meteorite and Ryugu samples has provided new ideas about the formation of the solar system. These will now be tested by further analysis of these and other extraterrestial samples including those returned from asteroid Bennu by the OSIRIS-REx mission. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Other |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63631563 |
Description | The fall of the Winchcombe meteorite was an international news story, engaging a wide audience with UK planetary science research. |
First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Other |
Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | STFC Solar System Advisory Panel - Roadmap for Solar System Research 2022 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://www.ukri.org/publications/ssap-roadmap-for-solar-system-research-2022/ |
Description | Constraining the thermal history of the CY chondrites through ion probe analyses of Ca-phosphate grains |
Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Europlanet |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | France |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | Constraining the thermal history of the CY chondrites through ion probe analyses of Ca-phosphate grains |
Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Europlanet |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | France |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | Curation & Preliminary Characterisation of the Winchcombe Carbonaceous Chondrite Fall |
Amount | £80,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/V000799 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 04/2023 |
Description | Supporting the UK Meteor Observation Network |
Amount | $3,700 (USD) |
Organisation | Meteoritical Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 02/2023 |
End | 12/2023 |
Description | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite |
Amount | £1,400 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2022 |
End | 10/2022 |
Description | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite - Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2022 |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Organisation | Meteoritical Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 04/2022 |
End | 10/2022 |
Description | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite - Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2022 |
Amount | £4,039 (GBP) |
Organisation | Natural History Museum |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2022 |
End | 10/2022 |
Title | Winchcombe meteorite |
Description | Led the recovery of the Winchcombe meteorite, which is now being curated at the Natural History Museum. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | The Winchcombe meteorite is the first meteorite to recovered in the UK for 30 years, and the first ever carbonaceous chondrite. The sample is being studied by a consortium of UK researchers. Data will be openly available upon publication in 2022. |
Description | Analysis of asteroid Ryugu samples returned by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft |
Organisation | Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Members of the Mineralogy and Petrology team. Development of analysis plan, and collection and interpretation of data from samples of asteroid Ryugu returned by JAXAs Hayabusa2 mission. |
Collaborator Contribution | Providing samples of asteoid Ryugu and leading the overall research project. |
Impact | Nakamura et al. (2022) Formation and evolution of asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples. Science (in review). |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Participating Scientist for NASA's OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Mission |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We were selected as Participating Scientists for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which will return samples of the carbonaceous asteroid to Earth in September 2023. We will characterise the mineralogy of the samples using a range of analytical techniques. |
Collaborator Contribution | NASA designed, built, and launched the OSIRIS-REx mission, which will return samples of asteroid Bennu in September 2023. NASA are leading analysis of the samples. |
Impact | Direct involvement in sample analysis planning and Quick Look protocols as members of the Mineralogy & Petrology Working Group. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) is a collaboration between meteor camera networks that aims to recover freshly-fallen meteorites in the UK. I am the current lead of UKFAll. |
Collaborator Contribution | UKFAll is a collaboration of meteor camera networks operated by insitutions (e.g., University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Imperial College) and citizen-science projects. |
Impact | Russell S. S. et al. (2023) Recovery and curation of the Winchcombe (CM2) meteorite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13956). Jenkins L. E., Lee M. R., Daly L., King A. J., Floyd C. J., Martin P-E., Almeida N. V. & Genge M. J. (2023) Winchcombe: An example of rapid terrestrial alteration of a CM chondrite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (http://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13949). Genge M. et al. (2023) The fusion crust of the Winchcombe meteorite: a preserved record of atmospheric entry processes. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13937). Suttle M. D. et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite - a regolith breccia from a rubble-pile CM chondrite asteroid. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13938). King A. J. et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine witness from the outer Solar System. Science Advances 8:eabq3925. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) is a collaboration between meteor camera networks that aims to recover freshly-fallen meteorites in the UK. I am the current lead of UKFAll. |
Collaborator Contribution | UKFAll is a collaboration of meteor camera networks operated by insitutions (e.g., University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Imperial College) and citizen-science projects. |
Impact | Russell S. S. et al. (2023) Recovery and curation of the Winchcombe (CM2) meteorite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13956). Jenkins L. E., Lee M. R., Daly L., King A. J., Floyd C. J., Martin P-E., Almeida N. V. & Genge M. J. (2023) Winchcombe: An example of rapid terrestrial alteration of a CM chondrite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (http://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13949). Genge M. et al. (2023) The fusion crust of the Winchcombe meteorite: a preserved record of atmospheric entry processes. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13937). Suttle M. D. et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite - a regolith breccia from a rubble-pile CM chondrite asteroid. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13938). King A. J. et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine witness from the outer Solar System. Science Advances 8:eabq3925. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The UK Fireball Alliance (UKFAll) is a collaboration between meteor camera networks that aims to recover freshly-fallen meteorites in the UK. I am the current lead of UKFAll. |
Collaborator Contribution | UKFAll is a collaboration of meteor camera networks operated by insitutions (e.g., University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Imperial College) and citizen-science projects. |
Impact | Russell S. S. et al. (2023) Recovery and curation of the Winchcombe (CM2) meteorite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13956). Jenkins L. E., Lee M. R., Daly L., King A. J., Floyd C. J., Martin P-E., Almeida N. V. & Genge M. J. (2023) Winchcombe: An example of rapid terrestrial alteration of a CM chondrite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (http://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13949). Genge M. et al. (2023) The fusion crust of the Winchcombe meteorite: a preserved record of atmospheric entry processes. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13937). Suttle M. D. et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite - a regolith breccia from a rubble-pile CM chondrite asteroid. Meteoritics & Planetary Science (https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13938). King A. J. et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine witness from the outer Solar System. Science Advances 8:eabq3925. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | UK Consortium Analysis of the Winchcombe Meteorite Fall |
Organisation | Curtin University |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Recovery and curation of the meteorite. Leading the overall research project, and analysis and interpretation of data. Providing samples of the Winchcombe meteorite for analysis by collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Recovery and analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Impact | King et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine sample of the outer solar system. Science (in prep) Daly et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.5.363 O'Brien et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atac009 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UK Consortium Analysis of the Winchcombe Meteorite Fall |
Organisation | Open University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Recovery and curation of the meteorite. Leading the overall research project, and analysis and interpretation of data. Providing samples of the Winchcombe meteorite for analysis by collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Recovery and analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Impact | King et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine sample of the outer solar system. Science (in prep) Daly et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.5.363 O'Brien et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atac009 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UK Consortium Analysis of the Winchcombe Meteorite Fall |
Organisation | Royal Holloway, University of London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Recovery and curation of the meteorite. Leading the overall research project, and analysis and interpretation of data. Providing samples of the Winchcombe meteorite for analysis by collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Recovery and analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Impact | King et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine sample of the outer solar system. Science (in prep) Daly et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.5.363 O'Brien et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atac009 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UK Consortium Analysis of the Winchcombe Meteorite Fall |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Recovery and curation of the meteorite. Leading the overall research project, and analysis and interpretation of data. Providing samples of the Winchcombe meteorite for analysis by collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Recovery and analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Impact | King et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine sample of the outer solar system. Science (in prep) Daly et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.5.363 O'Brien et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atac009 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UK Consortium Analysis of the Winchcombe Meteorite Fall |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Recovery and curation of the meteorite. Leading the overall research project, and analysis and interpretation of data. Providing samples of the Winchcombe meteorite for analysis by collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Recovery and analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Impact | King et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine sample of the outer solar system. Science (in prep) Daly et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.5.363 O'Brien et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atac009 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | UK Consortium Analysis of the Winchcombe Meteorite Fall |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Recovery and curation of the meteorite. Leading the overall research project, and analysis and interpretation of data. Providing samples of the Winchcombe meteorite for analysis by collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Recovery and analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Impact | King et al. (2022) The Winchcombe meteorite, a unique and pristine sample of the outer solar system. Science (in prep) Daly et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.5.363 O'Brien et al. (2022) - https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atac009 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Water and Organics of Ryugu |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | Johnson Space Center (JSC) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Characterisation of Ryugu particles using computed tomography (CT) |
Collaborator Contribution | Characterisation of Ryugu particles using Raman spectroscopy. |
Impact | Successful beamtime proposal to Diamond Light Source to collect carbon and nitrogen spectra of Ryugu particle (beamline I08 in July 2023). |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Water and Organics of Ryugu |
Organisation | Royal Holloway, University of London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Characterisation of Ryugu particles using computed tomography (CT) |
Collaborator Contribution | Characterisation of Ryugu particles using Raman spectroscopy. |
Impact | Successful beamtime proposal to Diamond Light Source to collect carbon and nitrogen spectra of Ryugu particle (beamline I08 in July 2023). |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Water and Organics of Ryugu |
Organisation | University of Kent |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Characterisation of Ryugu particles using computed tomography (CT) |
Collaborator Contribution | Characterisation of Ryugu particles using Raman spectroscopy. |
Impact | Successful beamtime proposal to Diamond Light Source to collect carbon and nitrogen spectra of Ryugu particle (beamline I08 in July 2023). |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Bach the Universe and Everything |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment ran a series of concerts linked around a Bach cantata with a thematic link to a guest speaker. The general theme of the series was humanity's relationship with space. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://oae.co.uk/event/bach-the-universe-and-everything-just-as-the-snow-falls/ |
Description | DEEP Course: Mineralogy of Planetary Surfaces and Biosignatures |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Lectures at the DEEP Course: Mineralogy of Planetary Surfaces and Biosignatures |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.mn.uio.no/ceed/english/research/doctoral-degree/national-phd-school/about/ |
Description | Destination: Space! A Virtual Flash Talk Series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | During the series of national lockdowns, interacting onsite with local schools became difficult and increased the demand for virtual content. To meet this challenge, we created an online programme entitled "Destination: Space", aimed at showcasing the current planetary research conducted within the Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Planetary Physics (AOPP) department at the University of Oxford. Over six weeks, school students from the UK and around the globe joined us on an out-of-this-world journey exploring space and planetary physics. Destination: Space has introduced students to fascinating areas of science, including the search for water on the Moon, meteorites and sample return missions, and whether there really could be other life out there in the universe. Talks were hosted online in a live webinar-style, where the audience could interact with and ask questions of the scientists involved in each event. The series consisted of four short seminars, one game show style event, and one purely question and answer panel session. The seminar sessions consisted of a short talk delivered by AOPP scientists focused on their research with time for audience questions. The game show event was loosely based on the "Would I lie to you?" BBC hit television show and had the scientists presenting short statements and inviting the audience to determine whether it was fact or fiction. This format encouraged audience participation and debate through the webinar chat feature. Due to the large number of questions we were unable to get to during the seminar sessions, a Q&A panel was added to the series. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021EPSC...15..619S/abstract |
Description | Interview about the Winchcombe meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview with the BBC (and other media organisations) about the first results from the Winchcombe meteorite. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63631563 |
Description | Maths in Science at the NHM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Run by STEM Amabassadors, a workshop was run for year 9 students to chat with different STEM professionals about how they use maths in their jobs. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | NHM Masterclass |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The NHM ran a series of 6 lectures titled 'Exploring the Solar System' offered to the general public, along with Q&A sessions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Oxford Women in Science 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Approximately 100 female and non-binary students from state schools across Oxfordshire and the NE of England attended Oxford University for a Women in Science Event. The day hosted a range of STEM taster sessions, giving evidence of a variety of applications and careers of science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite - British Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk about the Winchcombe meteorite at the British Science Festival. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://britishsciencefestival.org/ |
Description | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite - Cheltenham Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Schools workshop about meteorites at the Cheltenham Science Festival. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science |
Description | The Story of the Winchcombe Meteorite - Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Royal Society Summer Exhibition. 5-day event attended by 766 students, 76 teachers, and 5007 members of the public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2022/summer-science-exhibition/ |
Description | The Winchcombe Meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article in New Scientist magazine |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.newscientist.com/article/2270496-meteorite-recovered-in-the-uk-after-spectacular-firebal... |
Description | The Winchcombe Meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk for the Herdman Society on the Winchcombe meteorite |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | The Winchcombe Meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Feature on the BBC Sky at Night about the Winchcombe meteorite fall |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | The Winchcombe Meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | One week visiting local schools in Winchcombe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | The Winchcombe Meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | BBC One Show feature about the Winchcombe meteorite fall |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | The Winchcombe Meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview with BBC (and other media organisations) about the Winchcombe meteorite fall. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56326246 |
Description | The fall, recovery, and initial analysis of the Winchcombe meteorite |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk to the Royal Astronomical Society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |