Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Role and Department

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Free-Space Optics group. The proliferation of satellites and large-scale constellations poses a significant threat to ground-based astronomy, affecting both radio and optical observations. The increasing number of space objects, including satellites, rocket bodies, and debris, raises the likelihood of these objects entering the field of view of ground-based telescopes, thereby corrupting delicate astronomical measurements. This project aims to develop an early warning system to mitigate satellite contamination for ground-based optical astronomy in real-time.

We will develop a system to use wide-field, low-cost sensors observing a ring around the field of regard of a nearby astronomical telescope(s). By detecting satellite trails and extrapolating their trajectory and brightness, we aim to shutter the focal plane for a short period (seconds) to avoid contamination of long exposures. This will maximise observing efficiency of high-cost operations and minimise lost scientific data. This is a low TRL project to explore the feasibility of the system.

We will also develop a data structure and mechanism to gather rigorous and quantitative database of space objects and their apparent brightness at scale to assess the effect of satellite constellations on optical astronomy, security, and wider society, enabling informed debate on the impact of artificial satellites on astronomy and society.

The successful candidate will be expected to design, assemble and test the hardware and real-time analysis software and engage with the wider astronomical and space sustainability communities.

This post is fixed term for three years to coincide with funding from STFC to support the project.

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