Jonathan Tennyson (physicist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Tennyson
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|---|---|
| Born |
Charles Jonathan Penrose Tennyson
11 May 1955 Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Cambridge University of Sussex |
| Occupation | Physicist |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | University College London |
| Thesis | Studies in the ab initio calculation of molecular energies. (1980) |
Charles Jonathan Penrose Tennyson (born May 11, 1955) is a British physicist. He is a top professor of physics at University College London (UCL). From 2004 to 2011, he was also the head of the Physics and Astronomy department there. He is the Chief Scientist at a company called Quantemol Ltd and leads another company called Blue Skies Space Ltd.
Contents
Jonathan Tennyson's Education
Jonathan Tennyson went to Bootham School in York, England. After that, he continued his studies at King's College, Cambridge and the University of Sussex. He earned his PhD in 1980.
Research and Career in Physics
Professor Tennyson has written over 700 scientific papers. His work mainly focuses on how we can use molecular spectroscopy to understand different areas of science.
What is Spectroscopy?
Spectroscopy is a way scientists study light and how it interacts with matter. It helps them figure out what things are made of and how they behave.
Areas of Research
Professor Tennyson applies spectroscopy to many exciting fields:
- Astrophysics: This is the study of stars, planets, and the universe. He uses spectroscopy to learn about the gases and molecules in space.
- Atmospheric Science: This involves studying Earth's atmosphere. His research helps us understand the air we breathe and how it changes.
- Plasma Physics: Plasma is a super-hot, charged gas found in stars and lightning. He studies how molecules act in these extreme conditions.
Books and Projects
Professor Tennyson has also written popular science articles. He wrote a textbook for university students called Astronomical Spectroscopy. This book helps students learn about the physics of light from space. He also leads an important project called ExoMol.
The ExoMol Project
The ExoMol project creates huge databases of information about molecules. This information is super important for scientists who study exoplanets. Exoplanets are planets outside our solar system. By using ExoMol's data, scientists can figure out what the atmospheres of these distant planets are made of.
Awards and Honours
Professor Tennyson has received many important awards for his work.
Recognitions and Fellowships
In 2007, he received the Ellis R. Lippincott Award from The Optical Society. He was also chosen as a Fellow of The Optical Society. In 2009, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). Being an FRS is a very high honour for scientists in the UK.
Royal Astronomical Society Gold Medal
In 2025, Professor Tennyson was awarded the Royal Astronomical Society’s Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards in astronomy. He received it for his amazing work in helping us understand exoplanets better.
Personal Life
Jonathan Tennyson comes from a famous family. He is the son of Hallam Tennyson, who was a radio producer. His great-great-grandfather was the famous poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. Jonathan Tennyson is also the father of actor Matthew Tennyson.
