Minor icy bodies (origin and evolution) and cosmic dust
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Kent
Department Name: Sch of Physical Sciences
Abstract
The Centre for Astrophysics \& Planetary Science requests long-term funding to support a successful established programme of research into the origins of the solar system, stars and stellar systems. We wish to explore novel physical concepts and develop fresh ideas associated with specific physical processes, configurations and components. One of the most crucial questions in Astrophysics remaining to be answered is: how do stars form? Even with modern CCDs, our classical optical telescopes are of limited use since even red light cannot penetrate out of star forming regions. Furthermore, our classical theory has stumbled and failed as we realise that star forming regions are ephemeral clouds. In recent years, we have found observational and theoretical techniques to overcome these problems and together make progress. At least we can now answer the question: how do we know a star is forming? Thus, infrared astronomy and numerical simulations have provided a new means to uncover and explain the physics of star formation. UK astrophysicists are now at the forefront with superb observing programmes and facilities, as well as advanced numerical methods and computing infrastructure. The Kent researchers aim to remain at the forefront through an integrated programme of infrared observations, three dimensional numerical simulations and advanced theoretical modelling, all aimed at exploring the physics governing the rapid evolution of protostars and the clouds which contain them. Through direct predictions and exploitation, the rolling grant will support the UK investment in space and ground-based projects. This physics of transient objects involves hypervelocity flows in diverse contexts. However, even once evolved into the solar system, hypervelocity continues to play a prominent role. Kent offers the opportunity to explore impacts at speeds far in excess of one kilometre per second, crucial to many topics in space science and exploration. The evolution and survival of objects against such impacts is a major topic in Solar System evolution (e.g. cratering, catastrophic disruption etc.). In addition, small particles captured by space missions in hypervelocity impacts are a rich source of information about the Solar System.
People |
ORCID iD |
Mark Burchell (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Jerling A
(2008)
Survival of seeds in hypervelocity impacts
in International Journal of Astrobiology
Kearsley A
(2008)
Micro-craters in aluminum foils: Implications for dust particles from comet Wild 2 on NASA's Stardust spacecraft
in International Journal of Impact Engineering
Kearsley A. T.
(2008)
Dust from comet Wild 2:: Interpreting particle size, shape, structure, and composition from impact features on the Stardust aluminum foils
in METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
Kearsley A. T.
(2009)
Interpretation of Wild 2 dust fine structure: Comparison of Stardust aluminum foil craters to the three-dimensional shape of experimental impacts by artificial aggregate particles and meteorite powders
in METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
Kearsley Anton T.
(2007)
Analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy of laboratory impacts on Stardust aluminum foils: Interpreting impact crater morphology and the composition of impact residues
in METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
Kearsley AT
(2006)
Laboratory simulation of impacts on aluminum foils of the Stardust spacecraft:: Calibration of dust particle size from comet Wild-2
in METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
Leliwa-Kopystynski J
(2008)
Impact cratering and break up of the small bodies of the Solar System
in Icarus
Marcus Matthew A.
(2008)
Smelting of Fe-bearing glass during hypervelocity capture in aerogel
in METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
Milner D. J.
(2008)
Laboratory investigations of marine impact events: Factors influencing crater formation and projectile survivability
in METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE
Noguchi T
(2010)
Thermal alteration of hydrated minerals during hypervelocity capture to silica aerogel at the flyby speed of Stardust
in Meteoritics & Planetary Science
Description | Solar system Ices |
Organisation | University of Warsaw |
Department | Space Science |
Country | Poland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provided experimental data |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided models for our analysis |
Impact | Several papers and conference talks |
Description | Solar system organics |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Department | Geochemistry Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provided experimental samples |
Collaborator Contribution | Data analysis using chemical means |
Impact | Several papers and conference talks |
Description | Space Debris/Cosmic Dust Flux |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | Orbital Debris Office |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Experimental data, input into design of detectors. data analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | Via provision of apparatus |
Impact | One or two papers, conference talks, and improved designs for new dust detectors |
Description | Stardust analysis |
Organisation | University of Washington |
Department | Earth and Space Sciences |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | There are over 100 collaboraotors so can't be named individually. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided samples of dusty collected in space and many labs to share data analysis with |
Impact | Many papers have been published, see list of publications. |
Description | BBC Horizon |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I was filmed for BBC Horizon about life in extreme environments. I had about 5 minutes on the broadcast programme whcih has been shown several times in the UK and abroad People abroad tell me they saw me on the tv |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006 |
Description | International Year of Astronomy 2009 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on life in space to about 60+ members of the public in an open lecture at the University of Kent None |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Museum talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | About 20 - 30 parens and children attended Not known |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | School visit, many |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | TYpically 30 - 60 students attend a talk by myself. Not known |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010 |
Description | Space School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | There are typically 2 residential weekends each summer, attended by about 25 13 - 17 years olds each weekend. Not known |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010 |
Description | Talk to astronomical society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk to about 100+ people at Cambridge Astronomy Society at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge None |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
Description | Talk to astronomical society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | About 40 - 50 members of the South East Kent Astronomy Society attended Not known |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |