Ian Whittaker

Ian Whittaker

Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University

Ian Whittaker completed his PhD in 2010 looking at the interaction of the Sun with the upper atmosphere of Venus. Since then, he has held six postdoctoral contracts, covering medical imaging, solar physics, the Earth's radiation belts, lightning in tropical cyclones, X-ray astronomy, and X-ray observations of the Earth's magnetopause.

He currently teaches at Nottingham Trent University, where he is responsible for astrophysics lectures, laboratory supervision, tutorials and student projects. He is very strongly interested in space science outreach, encouraging students and the public to take an interest in how our planet interacts with the solar system.

His additional research for student projects include off world living, and animal magnetosense.

Latest articles by Ian Whittaker

A photo showing the Boeing Starliner in orbit above the Earth

Fixing Boeing's leaky Starliner — and returning NASA's stranded astronauts to Earth — is much harder than it sounds

By Ian Whittaker published

Astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station after yet more problems with Boeing's beleaguered Starliner. Here's why an investigation into the issues is so difficult, even for NASA.

Space Exploration
This is the largest piece of the 2,100-year-old Antikythera Mechanism, which is on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece.

Amazing astronomical discoveries from ancient Greece

By Gareth Dorrian, Ian Whittaker published

Here's a look at some of the amazing astronomical discoveries from ancient Greece. But almost as interesting as what they knew, however, is what they did not know.

Human Behavior
NASA HAVOC at Venus

NASA Wants to Send Humans to Venus, to Live in Airships Floating on Clouds

By Gareth Dorrian, Ian Whittaker published

Opinion But how is such a mission even possible?

Opinion
This view of Earth's horizon was taken by an Expedition 7 crewmember onboard the International Space Station on June 13, 2003.

Even a Kid Can Prove the Earth Is Round: Here's How

By Ian Whittaker published

Opinion You don't need to build a rocket, like "Mad" Mike Hughes, to prove the Earth isn't flat – here's the simple science.

Opinion