Conferences  >  Didactics, History and Philosophy of Science and Technology  >  History and Philosophy of Science and Technology  >  United Kingdom

Institute of Physics (IOP)

The five naked­eye planets, bright, conspicuous, and not fixed relative to the stars, have piqued the interest of humanity from the first civilisations to the present day. In this talk I will look at how our models of the solar system have evolved over time, from the first attempts to make sense of the planets' motions to the present day focus on the early history of the planetary system.

Courses and Events for Physics Students,    Public Lectures and Outreach

Institute of Physics (IOP)

The study of extraterrestrial matter, from meteorites passing by cosmic dust to sample returned from asteroids, has a long and fascinating history. For centuries, humans have been intrigued by stones from the sky,” but it was only relatively recently that scientists began to understand the true nature and significance of meteorites and cosmic dust. This talk explores the development of the science of meteoritics, tracing its evolution from early observations to the modern era of sophisticated analyses. We will examine key discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of these celestial messengers, particularly focusing on the “Antarctic meteorite revolution” – a period of unparalleled discovery driven by the unique conditions of the frozen continent. During this talk, I will explore this history and explain how scientists have learned to decipher these celestial objects. This journey reveals how meteoritics has helped us unravel the mysteries of the early solar system, shedding light on the formation of planets and the building blocks of life.

Courses and Events for Physics Students,    Public Lectures and Outreach