Research degrees
Research areas
Astronomy
Interplanetary dust

Interplanetary dust

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
February and October January to April
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
January to April

The Earth and other terrestrial planets orbit the Sun within a cloud of interplanetary dust. This so-called zodiacal cloud is thought to comprise of dust of asteroidal, cometary and possibly interstellar origin. However, despite its proximity, the detailed structure of the zodiacal cloud is not well understood, and there remains considerable uncertainty over the dynamical processes that shape it. Better understanding of our zodiacal cloud is important not only in its own right, but also because such clouds are expected to be a common feature of exoplanetary systems.

Using long-term optical observations from the two spacecraft of the STEREO mission, we (a collaboration between the OU and UCLan) are studying the structure of the zodiacal cloud in greater detail than has ever been previously attempted. A notable success of this project was the first imaging of a dust ring around the orbit of Venus, a finding that has now led to the surprising finding that the structure of this ring varies with time. We are continuing this work to map the large-scale structure of the zodiacal cloud interior to the Earth’s orbit.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

We welcome enquiries from prospective students in the following areas:

  • Mapping Zodiacal Dust using STEREO data

Please also see further opportunities.

Current/recent research projects

  • Mapping the circumsolar dust ring near the orbit of Venus

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,712 per year Full time: £15,456 per year
Part time: £2,356 per year Part time: £7,584 per year

Some of our research students are funded via the UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Interplanetary dust
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Administrative support

Email: STEM SPS PHD
Phone: +44 (0)1908 653796

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.