Space Science the Hanson Way

Abstract:

On the inauguration of the annual Hanson Lecture it is timely to review the attributes of scientists that will be identified in the next generation of researchers that contribute to our understanding of the space environment. On this path we will identify some of the contributions made by Bill Hanson, to our understanding of the energetic and dynamics of the upper atmospheres of Earth and Mars and place them at the foundation of the advancements that have been made since his initial contributions. Containing both observational and theoretical breakthroughs Hanson’s work advanced our understanding of both large- and small-scale properties of the space environment. This review will describe the breadth and depth of Hanson’s contributions and hopefully provide some inspiration to future recipients of this prize lecture.