Peter Gallagher:
Solar Physicist

Your name?
Peter Gallagher

Your job title?
Solar Physicist

Prof. Gallagher is Associate Dean of Research with responsibilities for research infrastructures at Trinity College Dublin, Director of the Rosse Solar-Terrestrial Observatory at Birr Castle, and leads the Solar Physics and Space Weather Research Group. His reseach is primarily concerned with understanding the fundamental physics of solar storms and their impacts on Earth. He has a long association with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA and leads the Irish LOFAR radio telescope project. His group also works with a number of companies including Skytek Ltd., Lockheed-Martin, and Eirgrid.

Prof. Gallagher received a BSc (HONS) in physics and mathematics from University College Dublin in 1995, followed by an MSc (Distinction) in optoelectronics and image processing and a PhD in solar physics from Queen’s University Belfast. He then spent six years in the US, firstly as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Owens Valley Solar Array and Big Bear Solar Observatory in California and then as a Scientist and Senior Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Prof. Gallagher will be discussing his use of mathematics soon.