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[[File:David Hughes, James Boswell and Neil McBride.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|David Hughes (left) and his research students James Boswell and Neil McBride at the research bazar 1991]] |
[[File:David Hughes, James Boswell and Neil McBride.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|David Hughes (left) and his research students James Boswell and Neil McBride at the research bazar 1991]] |
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'''David W. Hughes''' (born 7 November 1941 - died 6 June 2022) was a |
'''David W. Hughes''' (born 7 November 1941 - died 6 June 2022) was a memberofstaff in the Department of Physics of the [[University of Sheffield]], where he worked since 1965.<ref>[http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/products/journals/aag/AAG_April04/aag_45241.htm#seq6 News and Reviews in Astronomy & Geophysics] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060921044211/http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/products/journals/aag/AAG_April04/aag_45241.htm |date=2006-09-21 }}</ref> Hughes published over 200 research papers on [[asteroid]]s, [[comet]]s, [[meteorite]]s and [[meteoroid]]s. He has written on the history of astronomy, the origin of the [[Solar System]] and the impact threat to planet Earth.<ref name="MPC-object" /> |
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== Professional career == |
== Professional career == |
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Hughes |
Hughes teaching specialised in the history of astronomy, solar and planetary studies and geophysics and was was one of a small group of staff who established astronomy as a separate degree subject within the department. He was given an [[emeritus chair]] when he retired in 2007. |
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Hughes was born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire, and educated at Mundella School, Nottingham, [[Birmingham University]] (1959–1962, where he got a degree in physics) and Oxford University (1962–1965, New College and the University Observatory), where he got a D. Phil in solar astrophysics. |
Hughes was born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire, and educated at Mundella School, Nottingham, [[Birmingham University]] (1959–1962, where he got a degree in physics) and Oxford University (1962–1965, New College and the University Observatory), where he got a D. Phil in solar astrophysics. |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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Hughes enjoyed collecting livery buttons, Chinese ceramics and cast-iron railway signs. He |
Hughes enjoyed collecting livery buttons, Chinese ceramics and cast-iron railway signs. He is survived by his wife Carole Stott, who also writes on astronomy and space and their two children, Ellen and Owen. |
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== Awards and honours == |
== Awards and honours == |
David W. Hughes (born 7 November 1941 - died 6 June 2022) was a member of staff in the Department of Physics of the University of Sheffield, where he worked since 1965.[1] Hughes published over 200 research papers on asteroids, comets, meteorites and meteoroids. He has written on the history of astronomy, the origin of the Solar System and the impact threat to planet Earth.[2]
Hughes teaching specialised in the history of astronomy, solar and planetary studies and geophysics and was was one of a small group of staff who established astronomy as a separate degree subject within the department. He was given an emeritus chair when he retired in 2007.
Hughes was born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire, and educated at Mundella School, Nottingham, Birmingham University (1959–1962, where he got a degree in physics) and Oxford University (1962–1965, New College and the University Observatory), where he got a D. Phil in solar astrophysics.
Hughes often appeared on TV, most notably with the live coverage of the ESA Giotto space mission to Halley's Comet. He also appeared on Christmas day TV, between the Queen's address and a Queen concert, discussing his interpretation of the biblical Christmas story. This was based on his book The Star of Bethlehem: an astronomer's confirmation, Walker, Pocket, Dent, Corgi, 1979. After retiring Hughes spent his life in Sheffield writing about astronomy, being a member of the Royal Astronomical Society's Astronomy Heritage Committee. He enjoyed giving astronomy talks on cruise ships where, on many occasions, he represented the Smithsonian MuseuminWashington DC.
Hughes enjoyed collecting livery buttons, Chinese ceramics and cast-iron railway signs. He is survived by his wife Carole Stott, who also writes on astronomy and space and their two children, Ellen and Owen.
The Mars-crossing asteroid 4205 David Hughes, discovered by Edward Bowell in 1985, was named in his honor. The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 2 November 1990 (M.P.C. 17223).[2]
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