Remote and In Situ Studies of Comets
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Mullard Space Science Laboratory
Abstract
The project will involve research that will exploit both remote and in situ observations of comets. The in situ studies will involve the analysis of data returned from the Rosetta mission to Comet 67P/Churuymov-Gerasimenko, and possibly also archival data from earlier missions. The components of the comets to be studied could involve the neutral coma, ionized coma and tail, as well as dust. The interaction of the ionized material, as well as charged dust, will be of particular interest. It is hoped that intercomparisons between in situ and remote datasets can be carried out, with in situ data providing a "ground truth" for remote observations that will aid in the interpretation of observational data involving other comets.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N504488/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2021 | |||
| 1579044 | Studentship | ST/N504488/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2019 | Oliver Price |
| Description | Dust in the tails of comets may be magnetically charged and effected by the magnetic field of the sun which is carried by the outflowing solar wind. This provides a new mechanism for how dust clouds in the inner star system may behave. |
| Exploitation Route | The analysis technique for studying dust tails could be used by others. We hope to theorise about how structures in the near-sun solar wind affect dust tails. These speculations may add context to results from Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions. |
| Sectors | Other |
| URL | https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2018/new-insights-on-comet-tails-are-blowing-in-the-solar-wind |
| Description | MSSL Work Experience Week |
| 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 | Each year 30 students attend the work experience week. This encourages students to consider taking STEM subjects at university and consider a career in space science. Several students who participated went on to take STEM subjects at uni and returned to MSSL to conduct further higher level work experience, including research projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
| Description | Participation in Spacelink Webinars |
| 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 | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Presented several interactive webinars to primary and secondary schools on topics related to my research. School reported increased interest in subject. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
| Description | Participation in UCL Sutton Scholars scheme |
| 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 | Presented talks and held workshops for year 8 children participating in UCL's sutton scholars scheme. Students reported increased interest in subject and some applied for the MSSL work experience week. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |