Dr John Bridges, Reader in Planetary Science         

At the Space Research Centre we use a range of techniques (scanning electron microscopes, transmission electron microscopes, focused ion beam, Diamond synchrotron) to study samples from different parts of the Solar System.

We also use remote images and spectral data to study the surface of planetary bodies, particularly the evolution of the Mars surface and climate.  For instance, the HiSCI stereo, colour camera, which is part of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter for 2016 is one of the new ways we will study the Mars surface. Dr Bridges is also a participating scientist on the NASA Mars Science Laboratory mission, one of the most ambitious planetary missions ever.

A sample of a martian meteorite (Y000593) has been extracted from a thin section using a Focused Ion Beam - Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM).  A micron-size sample is on the tip of the tungsten needle on the right and about to be placed on a copper grid.  By using this technique we can extract carbonate and clays in micron-size veins and study them at nanometre-scale resolution (one thousand millionth of a metre) with a transmission electron microscope.  This reveals how water altered the parent rock on Mars. 

We also apply such techniques to samples of asteroids, the Moon and Comet Wild2 to learn about the early Solar System and planetary evolution. 

Staff: Dr John Bridges 

Current and Recent Research students: Hitesh Changela, Leon Hicks, Kathryn Hill

Publications listed on NASA ads abs

Click on the links below to learn more about our work...

Mars

Comets and the Stardust Mission

To find out about our June to July 2008 Royal Society Exhibition: 'Exploring the Solar System: Mankind or Machine' which included a survey about exploring the Solar System  click here

 Recent Conferences Organised:

Early Solar System Processes and Meteorites. Oct. 2007.  RAS Discussion Meeting

UK in the Aurora programme.  Dec. 2008.  RAS Discussion Meeting

Habitability and Landing Sites.  June 2009. Co-organiser Aurora programme workshop

2nd UK Aurora Meeting.  January 2011

 Teaching

292 lab., 3642 Planetary Science, 4634 Planetary Surfaces