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UCL-Birkbeck Planetary Science

@ucl-bbk-cps.bsky.social

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News and activities from the Centre for Planetary Sciences at UCL/Birkbeck, a leading centre for planetary science in the UK. With experts from UCL depts of Earth Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, Space & Climate Physics (MSSL) and Birkbeck Natural Sciences.

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UCL-Birkbeck Planetary Science @ucl-bbk-cps.bsky.social · 22d

🗓️ Save the date! Calling all UK-based early-career planetary scientists 🪐 🌒 ☄️ 🚀 The UK Planetary Forum Early Careers Meeting will be held on 9 January 2026, hosted by the Centre for Planetary Sciences at UCL/Birkbeck, in London. Registration opening in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

Advert for the 19th UK Planetary Forum Early Careers Meeting on an ombre blue background with black-fine line ink graphics of solar system planets and satellites across the top, text below that with the meeting title and then saying: Centre for Planetary Sciences at UCL/Birkbeck, London; and below that: Friday 9th January 2026. The logos of the CPS show on the left and the UKPF on the right.

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ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 3h

To properly reach the Jupiter system in July 2031, #ESAJuice relies on ephemerides - predicted positions of celestial objects at specific times.

Mid October, you have a chance to help improve those ephemerides.

@obs-paris-psl.bsky.social has details lte.observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/Une-occultat...

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ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 2h

Plato is in its final shape! 🙌

Engineers have completed the construction of the spacecraft by mounting its sunshield and solar panels.

#ESAPlato is on track to launch in December 2026, as originally planned, on an Ariane 6.

More details at 👉 www.esa.int/Science_Expl...

#exoplanets 🔭

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UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences @uclmaps.bsky.social · 20h

#WorldSpaceWeek 🌑 Prof Raman Prinja (UCL Physics & Astronomy) on the #SundayBrunch talking about the #moon, and his new book for the younger readers 📖 Watch on Channel 4 from 29:27: www.channel4.com/programmes/s....

Image: Channel 4 / Sunday Brunch.

#wsw2025 #SpaceScience #astronomy #universe

Professor Raman Prinja talking with the Sunday Brunch hosts

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UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences @uclmaps.bsky.social · 1d

#WorldSpaceWeek 🚀 PhD student Aida Seye (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell discuss shared passions and challenges in chasing cosmic dreams on BBC's Sky at Night programme (from 20 mins 23 secs): bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis....

#wsw2025 #WomenInScience #SkyAtNight #STEM

PhD student Aida Seye (UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory) and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell shaking hands

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Dr. Geo Shanz 🪨🗺️🌊 @geoshanz.bsky.social · 1d

🔔 Meeting Announcement

Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG)- virtual/ Nov 12, 2025

ℹ️ www.lpi.usra.edu/mepag/meetin...

#PlanetarySci 🧪

MEPAG Virtual Meeting #19

November 12, 2025
Virtual

The Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group is scheduled to meet virtually on November 12, 2025. The MEPAG Virtual Meeting #19 provides a forum for the Mars science community to report on and discuss recent developments.

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ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 2d

On the night of 13-14 October, Jupiter's moon #Ganymede will pass in front of star HIP37442.

Observing this occultation pinpoints Ganymede's position even more precisely, helping our Juice mission reach its target.

Can you help?

Details from @obs-paris-psl.bsky.social 👉 bit.ly/4hcPguB

Illustration of the Juice spacecraft seen in space, at Jupiter. Text reads 'Juice needs you'.

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Astronomy Picture of the Day 🪐 @apod.shinyakato.dev · 11d

🔭 Leopard Spots on Martian Rocks

Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech, MSSS, Perseverance Rover

apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap25092...

Part of a large rock on Mars is shown being mostly orange. On the rock are several irregular light-colored areas surrounded by a dark border. The spots are only millimeters across but might be a remnant biosignature of ancient Martian life. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

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UCL News @uclnews.bsky.social · 8d

The interior of the mysterious far side of the moon may be colder than the interior of the side constantly facing Earth, suggests a new study co-led by Professor Yang Li @es-ucl.bsky.social @uclmaps.bsky.social @pku1898.bsky.social of rock samples collected by China's Chang'e 6 mission

Far side of the moon may be colder than the near side

The interior of the mysterious far side of the moon may be colder than the side constantly facing Earth, suggests a new analysis of rock samples co-led by a UCL and Peking University researcher.

www.ucl.ac.uk

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UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care @ucliehc.bsky.social · 8d

Black History Month is a nationwide celebration of Black people’s contributions to British society throughout history.

Discover what's going on at UCL with our round-up of activities on campus and beyond ⬇️ www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oc...

Black History Month 2025 at UCL

Black History Month is a nationwide celebration of Black people’s contributions to British society throughout history. Discover what's going on at UCL with our round-up of activities on campus and bey...

www.ucl.ac.uk

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UCL-Birkbeck Planetary Science @ucl-bbk-cps.bsky.social · 8d

'New Earth-based metric could improve the search for habitable planets' - a study led by CPS colleague and PhD researcher, Hannah Woodward, from the School of Natural Sciences at Birkbeck, University of London.

#Astrobiology #Habitability #PlanetaryScience

www.bbk.ac.uk/news/new-ear...

New Earth-based metric could improve the search for habitable planets

www.bbk.ac.uk

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 9d

World Space Week 2025 is nearly here!

Explore space careers, planetary protection & astrobiology ethics through talks & on-demand content.

👉 stem.open.ac.uk/events

#WorldSpaceWeek #SpaceForAll #STEMEvents

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Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 9d

World Space Week is fast approaching... and there's plenty of activities and events to get involved in! 🚀🪐💫

On Saturday we'll be hosting a live stream of the Moon for NASA's International Observe the Moon Night, in partnership with the University of Reading and Troodos Observatory in Cyprus.

⤵️

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Europlanet @europlanetmedia.bsky.social · 9d

Do you miss #EPSC? Don't worry, we are already preparing the next ones!

✨ #EPSC2026 will be in The Hague, Netherlands from 6-11 September 2026.

✨ #EPSC2027 will be in Toulouse, France from 19-24 September 2027.

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karenannedevoil.bsky.social @karenannedevoil.bsky.social · 9d

What a wonderful evening Stargazing at the Wonders of the Dark Sky event at @[email protected]. Clear skies and amazing volunteer astronomers. Thanks to WOLAS, SWHAS, Chiltern Society, Woodoaks and Colne Valley Park.

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Free Łink - Matthew R Francis @bowlerhatscience.org · 13d

still looking for an iceberg researcher! is that you or someone you know? 🧪

Free Łink - Matthew R Francis @bowlerhatscience.org · 13d

do I know anyone who studies icebergs? I need to talk to icebergerians for an article! Please share and thank you! 🧪

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Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 14d

Know someone who uses space to inspire and educate? 🚀🪐

Why not nominate them for our Annie Maunder Medal, which is open to everyone involved in outreach or public engagement for astronomy or geophysics.

Apply by Friday at: ras.ac.uk/awards-and-g...

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Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 14d

📣 Attention students! 👩🏾🔬🔭

Want to win a cash prize and certificate for your research? A reminder that we have an award for the best student paper submitted to Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 🏆💫

⤵️

Graphic promoting the MNRAS Student Prize 2026.

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UCL Department of Geography @uclgeography.bsky.social · 14d

Maps can inspire discovery – or fuel division.

Prof James Cheshire’s Library of Lost Maps explores both sides. Hear his talk at the @rgsibg.bsky.social Monday Night Lecture, 6 Oct.

Book now: tinyurl.com/ucl-llm

#UCLGeography #MapsMatter #LibraryOfLostMaps

The library of lost maps - lecture

Hear from James Cheshire as he uncovers hidden gems from a lost map library, revealing how maps and their makers have shaped our world.

tinyurl.com

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UCL-Birkbeck Planetary Science @ucl-bbk-cps.bsky.social · 15d

This study, published recently in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social and led by Snehalata Sahu of the University of Warwick, includes co-author and UCL/Birkbeck Centre for Planetary Sciences colleague, Professor Jay Farihi @uclmaps.bsky.social 🔭🧪🪐

ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 20d

🍝 The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has spotted a white dwarf eating a piece of a Pluto-like object in our nearby stellar neighbourhood 👉 esahubble.org/news/heic2511/ 🔭 🧪

Hubble sees white dwarf eating piece of Pluto-like object

In our nearby stellar neighbourhood, a burned-out star is snacking on a fragment of a Pluto-like object. With its unique ultraviolet capability, only the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope could identify...

esahubble.org

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ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 19d

Did you hear? The number of confirmed #exoplanets has surpassed 6000! 🙌

Exciting times for our #ExoplanetExplorers
🛰️ future terrestrial planet hunter, Plato
🛰️ upcoming Ariel mission looking at exoplanets' atmospheres
🛰️ our hard-at work Cheops, studying exoplanets orbiting nearby bright stars 🔭

Artist impression of hot gaseous exoplanets. Multiple, colourful planets are organised into five columns and five rows against a black starry background. Credit: ESA/Hubble, N. Bartmann.

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UCL @ucl.ac.uk · 16d

We’re officially underway for 2025-26 and our campuses are buzzing with life and energy again!

Explore this page for everything you need to get started: Welcome events, askUCL, support services and term dates. 🔗
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new-students

Three students are engaging in conversation at an outdoor wooden table, surrounded by a lively environment with other people in the background.

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ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 21d

🚨Last chance to apply to the ESA Research #Fellowships in Space Science!

The 2025 call is open until 22 September.

Don't miss the chance to carry out your independent research at ESA, joining top experts in the field.

Check conditions here 👉 www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-sc... 🔭 🧪☄️

Banner that reads: ESA SPACE-SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME. Join us in the exciting adventure that is space science!

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European Geosciences Union (EGU) @egu.eu · 21d

Are you a #ScienceArtist? We're looking for you to join us at #EGU26!

Applications are now open for EGU’s #Artist in #Residence programme!

📅 Apply by 27 October 2025.
👉 Learn more about the application details & requirements: egu.eu/63Y1BV
📝 Submit your application here: egu.eu/813683

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Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 21d

Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not come and visit us! 👋💫

We're hosting an Open House event from 10am - 5pm on Saturday. There will be tours of our historic building, along with family fun and science activities for children aged ages 7 to 16.

⤵️

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