Cardiff astronomers honoured by Royal Astronomical Society

Two Cardiff University astronomers have been honoured the Royal Astronomical Society.

Professor Steve Eales and Dr Haley Gomez, from the School of Physics and Astronomy, have been recognized for their contributions to astrophysics.

Professor Eales has been awarded the Herschel Medal for investigations of outstanding merit in observational astrophysics. This award was in recognition of his leading work on understanding the dust-enshrouded universe and his contribution to 'submillimetre astronomy', leading the first detection of cold dust in external galaxies.

His work led to the development of two major projects on ESA's Herschel Space Observatory, the Herschel Reference Survey and the Herschel ATLAS (see Figure), the latter being the biggest survey undertaken by Herschel. He has published over 250 refereed journal articles and has communicated his passion through popular articles on the dusty universe, textbooks and talks at the Hay Festival.

Professor Eales said: "It has been a privilege to take part in opening up the last electromagnetic frontier for astronomy. I have been fortunate in working with some outstanding scientists, both ones who have built the instruments I have used throughout my career and some very talented individuals who have worked with me on several projects, most recently surveys with the Herschel Space Observatory."

Dr Haley Gomez was awarded the Fowler Award for individuals who have made a particularly noteworthy contribution to astrophysics at an early stage of their research career. Her major contribution has been in increasing understanding of the origin and evolution of dust and of its role in galaxies. Over the last few years she has played a key role in showing that dust is actually formed in supernovae and she was the first to see, with Herschel, exquisite filaments of cold dust shining in the famous Crab Nebula.

Dr Gomez has previously been awarded a prize by the RAS, winning the Michael Penston Thesis Prize in 2005 for the best doctoral thesis in astrophysics.

Dr Gomez said: "I am so happy to be honoured again by the RAS. The fact that Steve and I have been recognized for our research into cosmic dust is due to the incredibl team involved in the Herschel Space Observatory and the significant Cardiff involvement in this amazing space mission."

Professor Eales and Dr Gomez join previous Cardiff University winners: Head of School Professor Matt Griffin (recognized in 2009, 2011 and 2014); Professor Peter Ade (twice in 2009) and Professor Walter Gear (2009).

Head of School, Professor Matt Griffin said: "Steve Eales and Haley Gomez have done fantastic work in observational astronomy, and all their colleagues in the School of Physics and Astronomy are delighted that they are being given these awards.  It's great to see their efforts and success recognised in this way by their peers."

Founded in 1820, the RAS encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally.