RGS Students Published in Prestigious Scientific Journal

WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT A GROUP OF EXCEPTIONAL RGS STUDENTS HAS ACHIEVED THE REMARKABLE FEAT OF BEING PUBLISHED IN THE RENOWNED FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCES JOURNAL!

In collaboration with Northumbria University, current and former students co-authored a research paper titled: 'A Statistical Survey of Pitch Angle Anisotropy of Relativistic Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt and Its Variation with Solar Wind/Geomagnetic Activity.' 

A massive congratulations to the brilliant team:

  • Charlie P - Aerospace Engineering, University of Sheffield
  • Eleanor I (Y12)
  • Gina E - Physics, Durham University
  • Katherine J - Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
  • Nathanial M (Y12)
  • Tara G - Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Bristol
  • Thomas S (Y12)
  • Dorothy L - Computer Science, University College London
  • Jane C - Physics, Imperial College London 

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Suman Chakraborty (PhD, FRAS) from Northumbria University’s Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, the students developed their own tools and analysed satellite data to study space weather patterns. Their findings enhance our understanding of how space weather affects Earth and inform future space exploration.

The project, which ran for 12 weeks during the summer term last year, required advanced skills and exceptional dedication. Students met weekly after school to write Python code, process raw satellite data, and create stunning visuals - some of which are featured in the publication. This incredible accomplishment highlights their dedication, innovation, and teamwork in advancing scientific understanding.

Nathaniel M, a Y12 RGS student, said: "When I first heard about the project, it seemed really cool. Meeting up each week after school was fun as we worked together as a team. Over several weeks, we took raw data from in-orbit satellites and used Python to create tools that turned the data into graphs to identify patterns. We never imagined being published! It was exciting to discover differences in space activity during the day and night. I encourage other students to say yes to opportunities like this—you never know where they might lead!"

Gina E, who is currently studying Physics at Durham University, added: "Being a part of the Orbyts research gave me an insight into the process of academic research, which was particularly interesting to me, now studying physics at university. I really enjoyed meeting up each week and working together on analysing the data we were given, producing various plots using Python. I also really enjoyed being able to present a summary of our results together as this was something new to me and I liked the challenge of communicating the most important results effectively."

Thanks to our dedicated science staff for their unwavering support in fostering a culture of discovery and excellence at RGS.

Thanks to our science teaching staff, the group could work on the project outside the school day; their steadfast support and encouragement helped to foster a culture of discovery and excellence.

Chemistry Teacher Mrs. Wright praised the students; "From the outset, the students amazed me. They embraced the challenge of working with complex physics, showing incredible enthusiasm and determination.

"The ability to gain real-life experience of post graduate research and to be published at such a young age is phenomenal, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!"

You can read our student's pioneering research in full hereHere's to celebrating these brilliant young scientists and their contribution to advancing our understanding of the universe - well done!

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