Richard Davis (astronomer)
Richard Davis | |
|---|---|
| Died | 2 May 2016 |
| Occupation | Radio astronomy |
Professor Richard Davis OBE FRAS ( – 2 May 2016) was a radio astronomer at Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester.[1]
Following from an undergraduate degree in theoretical physics, he started an MSc in radio astronomy at Jodrell Bank in 1971, followed by a PhD also at Jodrell on the radio polarization of quasars.[2] He became an academic staff member at Jodrell in 1978,[3] and over the course of 45 years[2] he was involved in teaching, research, technical development at Jodrell Bank.[1][2] Undergraduate teaching across physics and astrophysics, as well as supervising postgraduate students.[3]
Designed electronics to use the radio-linked Mark II and MArk III telescopes as Jodrell's first phase-stable radio interforemeter, over a distance of 24 kilometres (15 mi). Used to measure radio source positions to an accuracy of 100 milliarcseconds. Also long integrations, which led to the measurement of radio emission from Cygnus A's parent galaxy.[2]
In the late 1970s he worked on radio links for MERLIN. At the same time he worked with Bernard Lovell and Ralph Spencer on observations of red dwarf flare stars using the Lovell Telescope (then the Mark I) and the Defford 25 metres (82 ft) telescope as an interferometer, which led to an unambiguous detection of YZ Canis Minoris at radio frequencies.[2]
With Steve Padin he developed a 5GHz broadband interferometer using the Lovell and Mark II telescopes, detecting radio emission from symbiotic stars and novae.[2]
Studied 3C 273 in the 1980s and 1990s.[2]
Project Scientist for MERLIN, the 32 m (105 ft) telescope at Cambridge, and the upgrades of the Lovell Telescope.[2]
Cosmic Microwave Background with the Very Small Array and the Planck satellite. UK PI of Planck's Low Frequency Instrument, leading the development and construction of the 30 and 44GHz low-noise amplifiers,[2] as well as leading the UK post-launch support for the instrument.[3]
He received an OBE in 2011 for services to science.[3][2]
He was a member of the Royal Astronomical Society Council in 2012-15.[1]
Over 150 scientific publications.[3]
Has a son.[3]
Passed away on 2 May 2016.[2]
References
Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire Category:2016 deaths