The Meteorite Menace and “Bombarded Britain”

Norman Gray - LDAS Chair

The threat of a meteorite impact on Earth is an ever-present cosmic danger, though statistically rare.  Throughout history, meteorites have struck our planet, sometimes causing local devastation and even contributing to mass extinctions.  While smaller meteorites burn up in the atmosphere, larger ones pose a serious risk.  Scientists actively track near-Earth objects (NEOs) to detect potential hazards and space agencies are working on deflection strategies to prevent catastrophic impacts.  The talk looks at the origins and threat of impactors and explorers those relevant to the UK in Richard Stratford’s book “Bombarded Britain”, still the definitive account of possible/probable impacts.

As Chair of LDAS for the past 5 years I’m conscious of the fact I’m never performed a main talk for the society.  With the recent death of Richard Stratford,  I see a way of acknowledging his contributions to UK meteorite impacts and a main talk from your Chair.

My love of astronomy like many of my generation was the purchase and consumption of Patrick Moores book “Observers Book of Astronomy” at the age of 7.  I was hooked from then on.  I made my first telescope while doing my physics Higher in Scotland.  Like many, my observing lapsed during my employment years though not my interest.  My background is scientific which can broadly be covered as a biophysical scientist.  I’m very much an imager due to my location in the light polluted skies of Stevenage.  It’s only since retiring that I have the time to pursue my hobby.