#SpaceStars: Reading research that is out of this world
04 September 2025
Space science that is changing everyone’s world is happening right here in Reading.
That’s the message of #SpaceStars, a season of activities at Reading this autumn (September to October 2025) to shine a celestial light on the astronomical expertise at Reading, and sharing the latest discoveries about our solar system with everyone.
The University of Reading is not only a world leader in research into the environment and climate of our own planet, but a leading centre for the study of worlds beyond our own.
Reading’s day-to-day work includes the study of planetary science, space weather forecasting, satellite climate observation, and astronomical research. Among key partnerships is Reading’s work with the National Centre for Earth Observation, and Space4Climate, a partnership of climate and space researchers based at the University.
What to expect
As we continue to celebrate our #SpaceStars, expect insights on major astronomy news, new research, community events, big announcements and behind-the-scenes content from our space science community. News and information will be shared on this page, the University of Reading news page, and its social media channels.
In September and October 2025, expect updates on new and existing satellites launched with the help of University of Reading academics, expert comments on celestial events, and details of on-campus activities.
In recent years, our experts have led the launch of a satellite to measure how clouds impact future climate change, helped capture Neptune’s aurora for the first time, studied an alien ocean (Enceladus, pictured) for signs of life, led citizen science projects on comets, gathered insights on dangerous space weather and found new ways improve solar storm forecasts.
They’ve also provided expert analysis on NASA missions, space tourism, the impact of Earth’s upper atmosphere on weather, and the Northern Lights.
Our #SpaceStars
The University of Reading’s #SpaceStars:
Flynn Ames, PhD studentstudying oceans on icy moons
Dr Luke Barnard, Associate Professor of Space Weather Data Assimilation
Professor Emily Black, Professor of terrestrial processes and climate
Professor Anthony Illingworth, Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Physics
Krupa Nanda Kumar, Space4Climate programme lead
Professor Mike Lockwood, Professor of Space Environment Physics
Dr James O'Donoghue, Research Associate Professor in Planetary Astronomy
Professor Mathew Owens, Professor of Space Physics
Professor Chris Scott, Professor in Space & Atmospheric Physics
Sarah Watson, PhD student studying solar wind
To speak with the University of Reading #SpaceStars, contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk
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