New Stephen Hawking Fellow appointed to share the wonder of science

One of the first Stephen Hawking Fellows is joining Imperial's Department of Physics to study space weather and inspire a love of science. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced today they have created nine Stephen Hawking Fellows, one of whom - Dr Martin Archer - will join Imperial in October. Dr Archer is tasked with furthering our understanding of the universe and sharing the wonder of science, carrying on Professor Hawking's legacy. Dr Archer will research the interplay between the Earth's magnetic field and the wind of electrically charged particles blown off the Sun. This interaction forms a shield in space, protecting us against most of the harmful radiation from the Sun and more distant sources. Sound waves bounce around the different regions of this shield, acting like different instruments in an orchestra that transfers energy into our atmosphere. Dr Archer's research will focus on the part of the shield that creates drum-like vibrations, and the results could ultimately be used to improve forecasting of space weather and predict potential risks to satellites.