A Rolling Grant Programme of Research in Solar-Planetary Physics at the University of Leicester
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
We propose a broadly based programme of research in solar-planetary physics that focuses on the outer plasma environments of solar system bodies, including Earth, Mars, the outer gas giant planets, and comets. Specifically the programme centres on the dynamic processes that occur within these environments, namely the magnetospheres and ionospheres of these bodies, and their interaction with the interplanetary medium on the outside and with the body's neutral atmosphere on the inside. The programme will consist of observational work, data analysis and interpretation, and theory and modelling within four interactive science themes. The first consists of studies of the outer gas-giant planets Jupiter and Saturn whose environments are dominated by the effects of planetary rotation and moon gas sources, though also being modulated by the highly-variable properties of the solar wind in the outer solar system. Observations of the auroras of these planets as direct indicators of plasma dynamics within these systems will be obtained from ground-based telescopes in the infrared and from the Hubble Space Telescope in the ultraviolet, as well as from remote-sensing instruments on the Cassini spacecraft in the case of Saturn. These will be combined with studies of in situ field and plasma data obtained by Cassini at Saturn, and later by Juno at Jupiter, together with theoretical modelling, to achieve a holistic understanding of the structure and dynamics of these environments that will also inform studies of related exoplanets. The second science theme concentrates on the very different plasma environments of weakly magnetised bodies exemplified by Mars and comets, in which the solar wind interacts directly with the ionised outer atmosphere of these bodies, rather than with the magnetospheres in the case of magnetised planets. Here we plan initially to study the Martian ionosphere using radio sounding data from the Mars Express mission, focusing particularly on the interfaces between unmagnetised regions and those influenced by crustal magnetic fields. Later, emphasis will shift toward cometary environments and Rosetta measurements at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, with particular interest in wave processes and plasma cavity formation. The third and fourth themes of the programme relate to the Earth's plasma environment, as explored through space-based and ground-based techniques respectively. In this case the dynamics of the magnetosphere are dominated by the highly variable interaction with the solar wind, mediated principally through reconnection at the magnetopause. An important theme in both programmes consists of related studies of magnetospheric and ionospheric dynamics (respectively) when the interplanetary magnetic field is directed northward, to be investigated using data from the Cluster, IMAGE, THEMIS, and other spacecraft, and from the SuperDARN ionospheric radars (respectively). Specific features to be studied that indicate major dynamical processes to be at work include transpolar arcs, nightside non-substorm flow bursts, and magnetospheric mass-loading due to dual-lobe reconnection. Additional areas in the ground-based programme include studies of ULF waves, analysis of wave injection experiment data, substorm physics, and ionospheric outflows.
Organisations
- University of Leicester (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Michigan (Collaboration)
- University of Liege (Collaboration)
- Uppsala University (Collaboration)
- Saint Petersburg State University (Collaboration)
- University of New Hampshire (Collaboration)
- Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (Collaboration)
- Johns Hopkins University (Collaboration)
- Observatory of Paris (Collaboration)
- Kyunghee University (Collaboration)
- University of Iowa (Collaboration)
- University of Arizona (Collaboration)
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) (Collaboration)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Collaboration)
- University of Colorado Boulder (Collaboration)
- Augsburg College (Collaboration)
- The University of Texas at San Antonio (Collaboration)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Boston University (Collaboration)
- Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics Irkutsk (Collaboration)
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Collaboration)
- International Association for the Philosophy of Sport (IAPS) (Collaboration)
- Gemini Observatory (Collaboration)
- Tohoku University (Collaboration)
Publications
Andrews D
(2011)
Planetary period oscillations in Saturn's magnetosphere: Evidence in magnetic field phase data for rotational modulation of Saturn kilometric radiation emissions ROTATION SKR MODULATION
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Andrews D
(2010)
Magnetospheric period oscillations at Saturn: Comparison of equatorial and high-latitude magnetic field periods with north and south Saturn kilometric radiation periods
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Andrews D
(2012)
Planetary period oscillations in Saturn's magnetosphere: Evolution of magnetic oscillation properties from southern summer to post-equinox
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Archer M
(2013)
Magnetospheric response to magnetosheath pressure pulses: A low-pass filter effect
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Arridge C
(2011)
Uranus Pathfinder: exploring the origins and evolution of Ice Giant planets
in Experimental Astronomy
Baddeley L
(2012)
First observations of SPEAR-induced topside and bottomside sporadic E layer heating observed using the EISCAT Svalbard and SuperDARN radars
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Badman S
(2012)
Correction to "Cassini observations of ion and electron beams at Saturn and their relationship to infrared auroral arcs"
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Badman S
(2012)
Rotational modulation and local time dependence of Saturn's infrared H 3 + auroral intensity
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Badman S
(2011)
Location of Saturn's northern infrared aurora determined from Cassini VIMS images SATURN'S NORTHERN INFRARED AURORA
in Geophysical Research Letters
Badman S
(2012)
Cassini observations of ion and electron beams at Saturn and their relationship to infrared auroral arcs
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Belenkaya E
(2011)
Magnetospheric mapping of the dayside UV auroral oval at Saturn using simultaneous HST images, Cassini IMF data, and a global magnetic field model
in Annales Geophysicae
Belenkaya E
(2013)
Magnetic interconnection of Saturn's polar regions: comparison of modelling results with Hubble Space Telescope UV auroral images
in Annales Geophysicae
Belenkaya E
(2014)
Magnetospheric magnetic field modelling for the 2011 and 2012 HST Saturn aurora campaigns - implications for auroral source regions
in Annales Geophysicae
Belenkaya E
(2010)
IMF dependence of Saturn's auroras: modelling study of HST and Cassini data from 12-15 February 2008
in Annales Geophysicae
Berthomier M
(2011)
Alfvén: magnetosphere-ionosphere connection explorers
in Experimental Astronomy
Blagoveshchenskaya N
(2011)
Artificial small-scale field-aligned irregularities in the high latitude F region of the ionosphere induced by an X-mode HF heater wave X-MODE HF IONOSPHERIC HEATING
in Geophysical Research Letters
Blagoveshchenskaya N
(2013)
Plasma modifications induced by an X-mode HF heater wave in the high latitude F region of the ionosphere
in Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Blagoveshchenskaya N
(2017)
Comment on "Parametric Instability Induced by X-Mode Wave Heating at EISCAT" by Wang et al. (2016)
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Blagoveshchenskaya N
(2022)
Simultaneous Action of X- and O-Mode HF Pump Waves on the High-Latitude Upper (F-Region) Ionosphere at EISCAT
in Universe
Blagoveshchenskaya N
(2014)
Optical and ionospheric phenomena at EISCAT under continuous X -mode HF pumping
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Blagoveshchenskaya N
(2020)
Distinctive Features of Langmuir and Ion-Acoustic Turbulences Induced by O- and X-Mode HF Pumping at EISCAT
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Blagoveshchenskaya N. F.
(2011)
MODIFICATION OF THE HIGH-LATITUDE IONOSPHERE BY HIGH-POWER HF RADIO WAVES. 2. RESULTS OF COORDINATED SATELLITE AND GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS
in RADIOPHYSICS AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
Blagoveshchenskaya N. F.
(2011)
THE EFFECTS OF MODIFICATION OF A HIGH-LATITUDE IONOSPHERE BY HIGH-POWER HF RADIO WAVES. PART 1. RESULTS OF MULTI-INSTRUMENT GROUND-BASED OBSERVATIONS
in RADIOPHYSICS AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
Boakes P
(2011)
A superposed epoch investigation of the relation between magnetospheric solar wind driving and substorm dynamics with geosynchronous particle injection signatures SUBSTORM INJECTION AND SOLAR WIND DRIVING
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Description | The grant supported a broad programme of research in solar-planetary physics with relevance to the outer plasma environment of the Earth and the outer giant planets, particularly Jupiter and Saturn, comprising theory, modelling, and data analysis from major space programmes such as Cluster, HST, and Cassini, and facilities such as SuperDARN. The work resulted in ~150 original refereed research publications in international research journals, reporting new information on the interaction of the solar wind with the magnetospheres and ionospheres of these planets, and the mechanisms of the auroras. |
Exploitation Route | The research was fully published in international journals where it can be inspected, verified, and built upon by ourselves (funded by follow-up grants) and others. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Education Environment |
Description | Primary impact within the international science community, but also wider cultural impact through e.g. national and international media |
First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Environment |
Impact Types | Cultural |
Description | Boston University Imaging Science Team |
Organisation | Boston University |
Department | Imaging Science |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Have provided observing experience, as well as inputs into Jupiter and Saturn aeronomy modelling |
Collaborator Contribution | Modelling of ionosphere/atmosphere of Jupiter and Saturn, as well as discussions over access to Boston University observatories. Sharing of HST images of Jupiter and Saturn in the UV |
Impact | Significant enhancement of both observing and modelling. One publication following on from the modelling of Jupiter's equatorward regions. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Cassini Auroral Planning Team |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | Cassini Mission |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been heavily involved in the planning of VIMS observations, both in providing details of the needed infrared observations from the spacecraft itself, as well as in timing the observations with ground-based support |
Collaborator Contribution | Our involvement in the planning team has directly resulting in having Cassini observations coincide with the timing of potential observations from Mauna Kea - using this, we have had great leverage in getting observing time at the NASA IRTF telescope, assisting greatly in our research. |
Impact | Outputs from this collaboration will be highly significant, once the current set of observations are complete. It will allow us to tie together ground-based and space based observations for the first time. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Cassini ELS data |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Mullard Space Science Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaborative analysis of Cassini magnetometer and electron data |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to Cassini ELS electron data |
Impact | Multiple papers in refereed journals |
Description | Cassini MAG data |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have used the magnetometer data in combination with both VIMS and ground-based data, in order to better understand the influences on the auroral region of Saturn |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of calibrated Cassini magnetic field data |
Impact | We have used the magnetometer data to provide context to our observations, which have helped shape the discussions of a number of our papers. We are also more directly comparing the results of our observations with MAG in an upcoming paper, the results of which we have presented at conferences. |
Description | Cassini UVIS data |
Organisation | University of Colorado Boulder |
Department | Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have used the data in combination with the VIMS data set, the first time this has been done in detail. |
Collaborator Contribution | In providing access to UVIS data, we have begun a detailed study of the comparative morphologies of the UV and IR aurora. This has so far resulted in material for presentations at conferences and is currently being written up for publication. |
Impact | We have used the results in several presentations. In addition, the use of combined data from the Cassini mission is something that is of high priority within the Cassini community and our using these instruments is providing us with an increased profile within this international community. |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Cassini VIMS data and planning |
Organisation | University of Arizona |
Department | Lunar and Planetary Laboratory |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are part of the official VIMS/MAG collaboration and are leading the analysis of the VIMS data, and have also been heavily involved in planning the VIMS observations in the Cassini Solstice extended mission |
Collaborator Contribution | In making the VIMS dataset available, we have been able to do significant research, including a Nature paper in 2008 |
Impact | Significant scientific advances, including a Nature paper, as well as access to the Auroral planning team and higher status within the infrared space mission community. |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Cluster research at University of New Hampshire |
Organisation | University of New Hampshire |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Discussion of scientific results |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative research on solar wind-magnetosphere interactions |
Impact | 1 joint publication |
Description | Comparison of Saturn PPO properties (Iowa) |
Organisation | University of Iowa |
Department | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provision of planetary period oscillation phases determined from Cassini magnetic field data |
Collaborator Contribution | Use of phases to analyse radio wave data |
Impact | Work in progress |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Dipolarisations in Saturn's plasma sheet |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Department of Physics & Astronomy |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provision of theory relevant to analysis of Cassini magnetic field data |
Collaborator Contribution | Analysis of Saturn magnetic field data using theory supplied to determine the magnitude of field-aligned currents and resulting auroras |
Impact | One research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Exploring the upper stratosphere of Saturn |
Organisation | Kyunghee University |
Country | Korea, Republic of |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided an analysis of VIMS observations, identifying and describing the methane fluorescence from the upper stratosphere. |
Collaborator Contribution | They have provided detailed high-resolution spectral measurement, allowing us to identify specific methane emissions within the stratosphere. The have also collaborated with proposed observations, adding significant adacemic weight to the observation request. |
Impact | Jointly, we are currently working on research that could potentially result in a number of publications, both looking at altitudinal profiles of temperature, and the neutral winds in the upper stratosphere. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Gemini support staff: planetary observations |
Organisation | Gemini Observatory |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Authorship of H3+ publications, particularly of Uranus. |
Collaborator Contribution | As support observer on Uranus observations, Tom Geballe's expertise greatly improve the observations. Also significant input in writing papers. |
Impact | Several papers, in particular the Uranus publications. |
Description | Ground-based observations and HIRIMS l'Observatoire de Paris |
Organisation | Observatory of Paris |
Department | Laboratory for Space Science and Astrophysical Instrumentation |
Country | France |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We have used observations made by this collaborator in our long term study of Uranus. We are also Co-I status on their proposed JUICE instrument HIRIMS, which remains under negotiation for inclusion into the selected instrument MAJIS. |
Collaborator Contribution | The provision of observational data of Uranus. PI leadership on instrument proposal. |
Impact | Our paper on the long-term variability of Uranus. |
Description | Ground-based observations at University of Texas |
Organisation | University of Texas |
Department | Department of Astronomy |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have used observations made by this collaborator in our long term study of Uranus. |
Collaborator Contribution | We have made a significant number of observations and proposals together, allowing a combined access to observations of Saturn and in particular Uranus. |
Impact | Our paper on the long-term variability of Uranus, as well as significant observing proposals and observations. |
Description | IAPS/INAF-Rome |
Organisation | International Association for the Philosophy of Sport (IAPS) |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Provided ground-based support observations for the JIRAM team, allowing calibration of that instrument using our data as a guide |
Collaborator Contribution | Have provided significant discussions for both future planning of the observations of JIRAM, and for past observations on Cassini and Galileo |
Impact | Safeguarded our publications from being trumped by IAPS publications |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Imperial ionospheric modelling |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided important input for the Saturn models developed at Imperial, providing essential information about the ionosphere in the 50-70 latitude region - away from both Cassini equatorial occultation measurements and auroral values previously published. |
Collaborator Contribution | We have worked with the ionospheric and atmospheric modelling group at Imperial on an informal basis, in order to better understand our observations in the broader context - this context has been useful for writing several papers. We are now in the process of directly collaborating on a number of projects, comparing ionospheric models with direct measurements on both a narrow and wide planetary scale. |
Impact | Our collaboration has helped in indirect ways in the past, but, partly through the ISSI Team Galand meetings, we have begun directly calibrating both our Cassini and ground-based work. We envisage this resulting in publications in the next 12-18 months. |
Description | Ion Outflows |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | Goddard Space Flight Center |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Providing ground based radar data to complement conjugate spacecraft measurements of ion outflows and to validate a major model describing outflows |
Collaborator Contribution | Intellectual input |
Impact | The submission of an associated proposal to the National Science Foundation, USA, naming this group as a collaborator |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Ion Outflows |
Organisation | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Department | Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Providing ground based radar data to complement conjugate spacecraft measurements of ion outflows and to validate a major model describing outflows |
Collaborator Contribution | Intellectual input |
Impact | The submission of an associated proposal to the National Science Foundation, USA, naming this group as a collaborator |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Mars Upper Atmosphere Network |
Organisation | Uppsala University |
Department | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN) brings together research groups fropm around teh world interested in upper atmosphere research at Mars. The group is led by Uppsala and Leicester. |
Collaborator Contribution | Other groups bring data analysis and mdoelling skills to MUAN to complement those existing at Leicester and Uppsala. |
Impact | Research Papers Campaigns with Mars Express Formation and Leadership of ISSI team |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Planetary Atmospheric Physics Lab, Tohoku Univeristy |
Organisation | Tohoku University |
Department | Planetary Atmospheric Physics Lab |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are currently collaborating on observations of Jupiter's auroral region. I have successfully been awarded a number of collaborative observing proposals with Tohoku as collaborating co-i's. |
Collaborator Contribution | We have been included on a number of observing proposals made to Subaru and IRTF. We are also working with TOhoku in the upcoming EXCEED mission, which will look at the UV aurora. |
Impact | Our observation proposals have been strengthened by the collaboration, and we will have access to the EXCEED dataset. |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Planetary period oscillations of Saturn's magnetodisk |
Organisation | Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) |
Department | Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics |
Country | Hungary |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Contribution of ideas concerning prediction of Saturn's magnetodisk location and provision of planetary period phase data obtained by analysis of Cassini magnetic field data |
Collaborator Contribution | Analysis of Cassini plasma ion data using the ideas and phase data supplied by us |
Impact | One joint research paper (so far) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Prediction of solar wind properties at Saturn |
Organisation | University of Michigan |
Department | Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Analysis of HST and Cassini data with reference to predicted solar wind properties |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of predicted solar wind properties at Saturn using near-Earth data and an MHD code |
Impact | Several joint research publications have resulted from this collaboration |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Pulsation magnetometer studies |
Organisation | Augsburg College |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Data analysis, data provision |
Collaborator Contribution | Data analysis, data provision |
Impact | Publications in international refereed journals |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | RAL collaboration on STEREO studies |
Organisation | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Data analysis and paper writing |
Collaborator Contribution | Heliospheric Imager instrument expertise and data |
Impact | Three research papers |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Saturn planetary period oscillations (Meudon) |
Organisation | Observatory of Paris |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Comparison of planetary period oscillation phases determined from Cassini magnetometer data and radio wave data |
Collaborator Contribution | Ditto |
Impact | Multiple joint publications in refereed journals |
Description | Space Science and Engineering Center, U. of Wisconsin-Madison |
Organisation | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Department | Space Science and Engineering Center |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Working actively with Kevin Baines, having written a number of successful Keck proposals with him as PI, have co-observed these proposals with him. Have also started co-editing a Saturn book with him. Collaborated on VIMS observations. |
Collaborator Contribution | Strongly supported our Cassini ground-based support programme. Helped promote both our ground-based observations and VIMS work. |
Impact | Three years of successful Keck observations, ultimately leading to 1 Nature paper, 1 other publications with 2 more papers already written. VIMS association contributed to 1 more Nature paper and numerous other publications. |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | St. Petersburg active experiments |
Organisation | Saint Petersburg State University |
Department | Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) |
Country | Russian Federation |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | provision of data, data analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | running of experiments, analysis of data |
Impact | Papers published in international refereed journals |
Description | Super Dual Auroral Radar Network |
Organisation | Johns Hopkins University |
Department | Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | The continued operations of the two CUTLASS radars enabled the RSPP group to maintain its collaborations within the Super Dual Auroral radar Network. This network involves institutes from Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Italy, Japan, Sweden, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. Note that there is insufficient time to go into detail for all of the releveant collaborations involved in this project. |
Collaborator Contribution | Through contributions of radar data plus effort on software development. |
Impact | Publications Funding to build new radars for groups in China and Japan Start of contract to build a new radar for group in Russia |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | UCL observation team |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Department of Physics & Astronomy |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | In collaborating on both the observation, reduction, analysis and scientific output from our combined research, we have made significant advances that would not have been possible by one individual team. We have worked on the majority of the observations, from inception to completion, including reduction and have shared in the analysis of this data. |
Collaborator Contribution | Observations to major telescopes have been co-written with astronomers at UCL, providing a joint research depth that has significantly improved our observational outcomes. |
Impact | We have produce a significant amount of work using ground-based observations, some still in analysis, and have produced papers studying Saturn, Uranus and Neptune based on observations that come from this collaboration. In particular, the Uranus paper was produced using observations covering 16 years of observations, many made by the UCL team. |
Description | ULF wave modelling |
Organisation | Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics Irkutsk |
Country | Russian Federation |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | provision of data, data analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | modelling of ULF wave fields |
Impact | Papers published in international refereed journals |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | University of Liege UV auroral image data |
Organisation | University of Liege |
Department | Department of Astrophysics, Geophysics and Oceanography |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint investigations of UV images of Saturn's auroras using HST and Cassini UVIS data |
Collaborator Contribution | Ditto |
Impact | Numerous joint publications in peer-reviewed journals |
Description | VIMS analysis at JAXA |
Organisation | Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency |
Department | Institute of Space and Astronautical Science |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided reduced and cleaned data to the collaborators and have discussed the data and analysis in detail |
Collaborator Contribution | We have worked together on analysing the results of the VIMS instrument |
Impact | We have one paper published and a number of others in the process of begin completed and have worked together in discussions with the VIMS team. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Live broadcasts from the summit of Mauna Kea |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Providing a streaming webcam from the summit of Mauna Kea. At times this was directed towards a particular group and at others, we fielded questions from the general public. We made the first ever web boradcast from the summit to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center, fielding questions from a crowd of 40 people, the first time this had ever been done. While this is a relatively new activity, we are looking into how we can expand it's influence. However, within days of the first Mauna Kea Visitor Center broadcast, we have heard that the Keck telescope is considering doing a similar broadcast once a month. This suggests we are at the vanguard of a much wider opening up of observation at the summit to the public, directly driven by this first ever attempt. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013 |
Description | Planeterrella |
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 | To date the planeterrella has appeared at an Institute of Physics Plasma Physics outreach workshop attended by school children There is a plan to display the planeterrella at the National Space Centre, which receives an estimated 200,000 visitors annually |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Presentations to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | During periods when observing second half nights or on acclimatisation nights at Mauna Kea, I visit the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center and give presentations on the life of an astronomer, as well as answering questions one-to-one during the star tours. Numbers vary between 20-60 a night and are generally a captive audience, since they have travelled to Mauna Kea to view the stars. Many people have not realised the importance of UK astronomy on the global scale - this is a great way to showcase our science to an audience who are actively interested in astronomy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |
Description | Stargazing Live - talk and vote |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on life in the universe, including a live vote on the factors on the Drake equation. This was followed by an extended question session with significant engagement from the audience. The talk and voting system took considerable work to set up. We hope to reuse this with less effort in the future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |