I use radio telescopes to track interplanetary spacecraft and near-Earth asteroids as a physics PhD student at UTAS. By monitoring scintillation of spacecraft radio signals, I can measure how the Sun’s winds are changing across the Solar System. This is useful for probing solar activity beyond the Earth and improving our understanding of space weather, and so we can better protect satellites and electrical infrastructure. I also use radar techniques to measure reflected radio signals off asteroids that pass close to Earth, helping to predict future close approaches and learn all about these primordial objects.
Research keyword/s: Radio telescopes
About the BEAKER STREET ROVING SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Each August, hundreds of Roving Scientists descend upon Hobart, filling up pubs and chatting to strangers as part of Beaker Street Festival. Discover a new world down the lens of microscope, and joining the least-boring bar conversations you’ve ever heard and these free (the chats – not the drinks) events.
For Scientists, Beaker Street’s Roving Scientist Program offers an excellent outreach, professional development, and networking opportunity. It’s the nerdiest and funnest way to share your research with the public, expand your network, and be inspired by leaders in all sectors of science and science communication.
