Dr Tarik Zegmott

About

Thesis Title: Physical characterisation and evolution via the YORP effect of Near-Earth Asteroids

Research interests

My research interests are focused on asteroids and their physical characterisation, specifically the Yarkovsky-O’Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack (YORP) effect. The YORP effect is a non-gravitational rotational torque that alters the spin-state of asteroids, it is caused by both incident Solar pressure and the recoil from emission of thermal photons. By using lightcurve inversion and other techniques, it is possible to produce shape models of asteroids and also to learn about their spin-state, which helps us in the search for YORP induced changes in rotation.

Past Research Experience/Projects
2017-2018: Support Astronomer, Isaac Newton Telescope, Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes.