UCF Planetary Science Graduate Student Autumn Shackelford has won an award at last week’s NASA Exploration Science Forum for her research presentation on “SWEEPS: A New Space Weathering Chamber.”
Several UCF Planetary Scientists Will Be Using JWST Soon
The Orlando Sentinel talks about the 8 UCF students and faculty who will be among those getting a first crack at data from the now-operational JWST.
Local News Interviews UCF Planetary Scientist about JWST
Orlando’s Fox affiliate interviewed Prof. Yan Fernandez about his involvement with upcoming JWST observations.
Bloomberg Highlights UCF Planetary Scientist Working on JWST
Bloomberg News has a video interview with several astronomers who will soon be using JWST, including UCF’s own Dr. Noemí Pinilla-Alonso (FSI)! Check out the interview!
Arecibo Scientists Unravel Asteroid Mystery
A team from the observatory publish their findings ahead of Asteroid Day, a U.N. designation aimed at increasing awareness about the threats some asteroids pose. The study was led by scientist Luisa Zambrano-Marín. Full story here.
UCF Planetary Scientists Awarded $35 Million NASA Mission to the Moon
The mission will explore a region of the moon never before visited and may identify minerals and chemical resources available for future exploration. The mission is led by Prof. Kerri Donaldson Hanna and deputied by Prof. Addie Dove. More info here.
UCF Planetary Scientist Moderates State Department Discussion on Planetary Defense
The panel discussion, which took place on June 28 a few days ahead of Asteroid Day, will examine international cooperation in response to asteroid threats and be moderated by Prof. Humberto Campins. Full story here.
UCF team designs lunar satellite tools to hunt for water
When Prof. Kerri Donaldson Hanna looks at the full moon she sees a future full of opportunity. Full story at the Orlando Sentinel here.
UCF’s Planetary Science Rock Stars Guests at MegaCon 2022
UCF faculty participate in pop culture convention to help people understand space science and why it matters in an entertaining way. Full story here.
UCF Planetary Scientist Dan Britt wins award from ASCE
Prof. Dan Britt has won the Outstanding Technical Contribution Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for his leadership of the Exolith Lab. More info here.
UCF Experimental Space Dirt Helps to Advance Space Exploration
Almost 25 tons of high-fidelity simulant has been shipped so far this year to scientists and engineers around the world so they can test their ideas before launching them into space. More info at this link.
FSI Planetary Scientist Dr. Noemí Pinilla-Alonso recognized by Orange County
Dr. Noemí Pinilla-Alonso has been recognized as a 2022 Orange County Distinguished Resident! More info at this link. Congratulations!
UCF/AO Researcher Studies Asteroid Sharing Earth’s Orbit
Find out about an asteroid sharing Earth’s orbit around the Sun! Info here.
UCF Planetary Scientists highlighted on UCF’s homepage
The UCF front homepage is highlighting three UCF planetary scientists — Dr. Humberto Campins (Physics), Dr. Addie Dove (Physics), and Dr. Phil Metzger (FSI). The page links to an extensive summary of their research.
UCF scientist closely watching as James Webb Space Telescope unfolds
As JWST reaches its destination at the end of January, UCF Planetary Scientist Noemi Pinilla-Alonso prepares to complete more than 100 hours of research once it arrives. More info here.
Arecibo scientist on the hunt for Gravitational Waves
An international team of astronomers (that includes an AO researcher) has announced the results of a comprehensive search for ripples in the fabric of space-time: gravitational waves. More info here.
FSI Planetary Scientist Dr. Phil Metzger Profiled in UCF’s “Knights Do That”
Dr. Phil Metzger at FSI is profiled in an installment of UCF’s “Knights Do That” series. More info here.
AO and UCF involved with NASA’s DART Mission
NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirect Test mission — DART — launched last week, and Arecibo Observatory and UCF Planetary Sciences Group are part of the story. More info here.
UCF Professor appointed Jefferson Science Fellow at U.S. Dept. of State
Prof. Humberto Campins has won a fellowship to spend the next year advising the U.S. Dept. of State. More info here.
UCF Annual Report Highlights FSI Planetary Scientists’ Success
Planetary scientists at the Florida Space Institute are featured in the UCF Office of Research annual report. More info here.