Physics and Astronomy Emeritus Professor Betty Lanchester has received a prestigious Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) award.
Betty has been awarded the 2016 James Dungey Lectureship for her research into the magnificent phenomena of the aurora.
The RAS citation recognises Betty’s devotion to tackling many challenging questions including her pioneering investigations into the role of fine-scale structure in the aurora, and how these dynamic structures affect the wider electrodynamics of the space environment.
The citation states:
“Some of Betty’s most important results include observational evidence that dynamic auroral structures are associated with short-lived, intense and local electric fields.
“Her research has also demonstrated that most of the energy density in a bright auroral arc may lie within an extremely narrow filament formed by monoenergetic electron beams.”
Betty said:
“It is indeed a great honour to receive this award which bears the name of one of the most respected scientists in the field of solar-terrestrial relations.
“Jim Dungey, who died last year, was a pioneer with extraordinary insight into the physics of the processes occurring in the magnetic field surrounding the Earth. His work has had, and continues to have, enormous importance in my research into the aurora and its effects. I have also had the great good fortune and privilege to have worked with a team of very gifted scientists in this field, both colleagues and students, who have all contributed towards this award.”
You can read the full press release here.