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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 member of staff in the Department of Physics of the [[University of Sheffield]], where he worked |
'''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 from 1965 to 2007.<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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Beyond his research, 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]] |
Beyond his research, 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]] on retirment. |
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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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== Public outreach == |
== Public outreach == |
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Hughes often appeared on TV, most notably with the live coverage of the [[European Space Agency|ESA]] Giotto space mission to [[Comet Halley|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 |
Hughes often appeared on TV, most notably with the live coverage of the [[European Space Agency|ESA]] Giotto space mission to [[Comet Halley|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 and 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 Museum]] in [[Washington DC]]. |
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== Personal life == |
== Personal life == |
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 from 1965 to 2007.[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]
Beyond his research, 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 on retirment.
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 and 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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