@leighfletcher.bsky.social - Leigh Fletcher

27 Aug 2026 14:14 +0000

New video from Nature interviewing members of the @physicsuol.bsky.social team at Perpetual Atomics and Space Park Leicester, working on Americium-based space nuclear power sources for future exploration(RPS for electricity generation, RHUs for heating). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYb_B7BhKDI

23 Aug 2026 13:53 +0000

It's taken a few weeks, but my new #CassiniHuygens model is finally complete. This was the first mission I got involved with, and I still frequently revisit the datasets from CIRS and other instruments. Now atoms and memories within #Saturn's heart, 9 year on from the Grand Finale.

21 Aug 2026 14:41 +0000

Nice overview of Swift's achievements, but sad news for the @physicsuol.bsky.social team: @uniofleicester.bsky.social provided the key system designs for the X-ray Telescope, built the low-temperature CCD focal plane camera and Telescope Alignment Monitor, and host the UK Swift Science Data Centre. [contains quote post or other embedded content]

14 Aug 2026 07:28 +0000

Still looping majestically around the inner solar system, gathering speed, until it finally travels across the void to Jupiter between 2029 and 2031.... #ESAJuice [contains quote post or other embedded content]

13 Jul 2026 16:45 +0000

Spending a couple of weeks in Denmark 🇩🇰 on holiday, and I just can't escape from some beautiful #AtmosphericPhysics.

09 Jul 2026 13:14 +0000

Announcing a 4pm meeting on critical funding cuts with 2hrs notice, in July. <>

26 Jun 2026 14:10 +0000

With the new Outer Solar System gallery opening Tuesday, @spacecentre.bsky.social is asking for #planetaryscience #astrophotography images (and the inspiration behind them) to be part of their new display. Surely bluesky astronomers can help? 🔭🪐☄️ Upload here: astrophotography.spacecentre.co.uk [contains quote post or other embedded content]

24 Jun 2026 09:04 +0000

The irony of today is not lost on me: meeting in London about Habitable Worlds Observatory #HWO on a day when London is pushing beyond the edges of our own habitable zone (at least for this Brit).

22 Jun 2026 16:15 +0000

Popped into @spacecentre.bsky.social to see their new Outer Solar System experience. As a member of the "Space Crew" 25 years ago (rocking the denim shirts), I'm delighted to see this gallery brought bang up to date with the latest #planetaryscience & some wonderful nods to the past.

21 Jun 2026 14:07 +0000

A Father's Day treat: "May the toys be with you" at New Walk Museum Leicester. The exhibit celebrates Coalville's Palitoy factory, responsible for the most significant toys of the 70s/80s: He-Man, Star Wars (UK license), Play-doh, Care Bears

18 Jun 2026 16:32 +0000

International or UK researcher looking for a #fellowship in #astrophysics, #planetaryscience, and/or space instrumentation? Leicester @physicsuol.bsky.social is inviting expressions of interest for this year's STFC 5-year Ernest Rutherford Fellowships (deadline June 25th): https://le.ac.uk/physics/research/fellowships

15 Jun 2026 12:35 +0000

An excellent meeting, well-organised and in a very special place (even if you don't play golf). Well done #BPSC2026 [contains quote post or other embedded content]

12 Jun 2026 12:45 +0000

Extended my stay in St Andrews by a day to give a seminar on Jupiter's atmosphere for the School of Maths & Statistics. Hadn't realised John Couch Adams (of Neptune prediction fame) was here, albeit briefly. Thanks to Daphné Lemasquerier, Hamish Hay, and Tom Elsdon for hosting me.

09 Jun 2026 12:47 +0000

North of the border, and flying across the beautiful Scottish landscape on my way to St Andrews for the British Planetary Science Conference #BPSC

08 Jun 2026 07:43 +0000

Excellent idea - a new #planetaryscience job site - PhDs, postdocs, fellowships, and academic posts, all in one place. [contains quote post or other embedded content]