Study Gallery

Astrophysics - Nobel Prize Row - Jocelyn Bell Burnell

Northern Irish astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, 31, Professor Anthony Hewish's former research student, pictured at her home in Horsham. Jocelyn Bell Burnell was overlooked by the Nobel Prize committee while her supervisor Professor Anthony Hewish shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with Martin Ryle. Professor Anthony Hewish and Jocelyn Bell Burnell were the first to observe a pulsar, in 1967.

© PA/Press Association Images

Mars Spirit rover

Mars Spirit rover. Computer illustration of the Spirit rover on the surface of Mars. This is one of two identical rovers sent to Mars in 2003. It is designed to study the history of the Martian climate and to search for evidence of ancient water. It will study the composition and formation of soil and rocks. It has a panoramic camera on the white pole at upper centre which will allow interesting areas to be chosen for study. It will travel up to 100 metres in each Martian day (sol; 24 hours 37 minutes). It is hoped it will operate for over 90 sols. Spirit landed successfully on Mars in January 2004.

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Volcanologist by Mount Etna eruption

Volcanologist wearing a heat suit as he watches an eruption of glowing lava (molten rock), ash and vapours from the volcano Mount Etna. The lava can range in temperature from 475 degrees Celsius (dim red) to 1150 degrees Celsius (white). The suit is designed to protect the researcher from this heat. Other dangers on the slopes of a volcano include poisonous gases, like hydrogen sulphide, and lava bombs, chunks of molten rock ejected by the volcano. Mount Etna stands 3323 metres tall on the Italian island of Sicily. It is the largest active volcano in Europe. Photographed in 2000.

© Jeremy Bishop/Science Photo Library