University of Reading scientist receives space award
He's become a world leader in space weather forecasting
A University of Reading space expert has been honoured for his work to develop rapid space weather forecasts.
Professor Mathew Owens, of the University of Reading, received the Royal Astronomical Society’s Chapman Medal, which is awarded for investigations of outstanding merit in the science of the Sun, space and planetary environments or solar-terrestrial physics.
A world leader in using weather forecasting techniques to predict conditions in space, Professor Owens was awarded the prize for creating and using the HUXt model, which can quickly forecast space weather conditions at any planet in the solar system. The HUXt model's predictions are often better than those from more complicated models, and works much faster too.
Flattered
Professor Mathew Owens said: “I’m really flattered, not least that someone would take time from their busy day to nominate me.
“Modern science is a collaborative effort, and I'm very fortunate to have such excellent collaborators. In particular Luke Barnard for his work with the HUXt solar wind model, which was singled out in the award citation.”
Important
Scientists and space weather services around the world now use the model, showing how important Professor Owens' work is to the field. As well as advancing our understanding of space and helping with several NASA and European Space Agency missions, Professor Owens' work has real practical uses. It helps protect satellites, navigation and communication systems, power grids, pipelines and early-warning radars. It also helps keep astronauts safe, as well as passengers and crew on high-altitude flights.