David W. Hughes (7 November 1941 – 6 June 2022)[1] was a British astronomer who was professor ofastronomy at theUniversity of Sheffield, where he worked from 1965 to 2007.[2] Hughes published over 200 research papers onasteroids,comets,meteorites andmeteoroids. He wrote on the history of astronomy, the origin of theSolar System and the impact threat to planet Earth.[3]
Hughes was born inEast Retford,Nottinghamshire, and educated atMundella School (now Nottingham Emmanuel School),Birmingham University (1959–1962), where he gained a degree in physics,[4] andOxford University (1962–1965,New College and the University Observatory), where he was awarded aD.Phil. in solar astrophysics.
Hughes became an assistant lecturer at Sheffield after leaving Oxford.[4] Beyond his research, his teaching specialised in the history of astronomy, solar and planetary studies and geophysics. He was one of a small group of staff who established astronomy as a separate degree subject within Sheffield University'sPhysics department (now Physics and Astronomy). He progressed to a chair (professorship) and was given anemeritus chair on retirement.
Hughes often appeared on TV, most notably with the live coverage of theESA Giotto space mission toHalley's Comet. He also appeared on Christmas day TV, between theQueen's address and aQueen concert, discussing his interpretation of the biblical Christmas story. This was based on his bookThe Star of Bethlehem: an astronomer's confirmation, Walker, Pocket, Dent, Corgi, 1979. After retiring Hughes spent his life in Sheffield writing about astronomy and as a member of theRoyal Astronomical Society's Astronomy Heritage Committee. He enjoyed giving astronomy talks on cruise ships where, on many occasions, he represented theSmithsonian Museum inWashington DC.
Hughes enjoyed collecting livery buttons, Chinese ceramics and cast-iron railway signs. He is survived by his wife Carole Stott, who also writes on astronomy, and their two children, Ellen and Owen.
The Mars-crossing asteroid4205 David Hughes, discovered byEdward Bowell in 1985, was named in his honour. The official naming citation was published by theMinor Planet Center on 2 November 1990 (M.P.C. 17223).[3]
