University of Otago space physicist Prof Craig Rodger has won the International Union of Radio Science’s Karl Rawer Gold Medal for his work on space weather and near-Earth plasma physics. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A University of Otago physicist has become just the second New Zealander in nearly 60 years to win a prestigious international science award for his work in space physics. Prof Craig Rodger is to be awarded the Karl Rawer Gold Medal by the International Union of Radio Science (Ursi) — one of the leading international bodies in radio science, space physics and electromagnetics. The medal recognises Prof Rodger’s internationally influential research in space weather and near-Earth plasma physics, particularly the interaction between radiation-belt particles and Earth’s atmosphere. His work has major implications for satellite systems, communications, technological infrastructure and power grids. Prof Rodger has been working with Transpower for many years, looking for ways to protect New Zealand’s electric power transmission grid, and develop protocols for dealing with solar storms. He said when the sun produced coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — explosions of plasma that are shot into space — most people saw the impact on Earth as spectacular auroras. But on rare occasions, they could also cause geomagnetic storms which could knock out electricity grids, radio signals, navigation systems, satellites and other infrastructure. Prof Rodger said in severe geomagnetic storms, CMEs could induce additional electrical currents down long electricity transmission lines, and damage equipment essential to transmitting and generating electricity, such as power transformers. He has worked with Transpower to develop protocols for dealing with space weather, which included building a list of South Island and North Island circuits that could be disconnected, allowing the hazardous currents to travel down them while keeping the power network on and stable. ‘‘Having this work recognised by a major science organisation helps signal that it was worthwhile,’’ he said. Prof Rodger was both surprised and humbled by the award. ‘‘I have seen the people who have won awards over the last decade or so — some of whom are friends of mine. ‘‘They are so clever, and their work has been so impactful. ‘‘I knew I was being nominated, but I was deeply unsure if winning this medal was possible for me.’’ He was ‘‘thrilled’’ to be only the second New Zealand scientist to win a senior Ursi award. The first was the late astrophysicist and space scientist Sir Ian Axford, who later became director of the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy. Sir Ian won the Ursi Appleton Prize in 1969. Prof Rodger will receive the medal at the Ursi general assembly and scientific symposium, in Poland, in August. john.lewis@odt.co.nz
