Dan Naylor
PhD studentResearch Overview
Soft X-rays are generated within planetary magnetosheaths due to the interaction between neutrals and highly charged solar wind ions. Imaging of these soft X-rays is an emerging technology that aims to build a dynamic and global diagnostic view of the magnetosheath region and explore the solar wind driving of planetary magnetospheres. Soft X-ray imaging technology has recently been deployed as the SXI instrument on the ESA/CAS SMILE mission in May 2026. I am modelling the magnetosheath of Uranus, a highly complex system in which the neutrals sourced from the icy moons may generate interesting X-ray signatures. I aim to investigate soft X-ray emission from the region and to test the viability of X-ray imaging techniques on the planned flagship mission to the Uranian system.
Current Teaching
In 2026/27, I will be a postgraduate teaching assistant (PGTA) for the following modules:
- PHYS4111 Mathematical Skills 1
- PHYS4252 Physics Skills
- PHYS5261 Stellar and Nebular Astrophysics
- PHYS6169 Cosmology and Space Physics
- PHYS7051 Year 4 Physics Project - Posters
In 2025/26, I was a PGTA for old modules:
- PHYS132: Physics Skills II
- PHYS133: Presentations
- PHYS134: Electrical Circuits
- PHYS135: Introduction to Degree Schemes
- PHYS263: Introduction to Astronomy & Astrophysics
- PHYS267: Solar System Physics
- PHYS365: Stellar Structure & the Interstellar Medium
- PHYS362: Advanced Stellar Astrophysics
In 2024/25, I also was a PGTA for PHYS222: Waves & Optics
Europlanet Science Congress 2026
Participation in conference - Academic
Solar Eclipse 2026 Public Outreach
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Magnetospheres of the Outer Planets
Participation in conference - Academic
Physics PGR Conference 2026
Participation in conference - Academic
FST Celebration of Science
Participation in conference - Academic
UK Community Interest Workshop on ESA E4 Mission to Enceladus and the Saturn System
Participation in workshop, seminar, course
Autumn MIST 2025
Participation in conference - Academic
Planetary X-Rays Meeting
Participation in workshop, seminar, course
IAGA / IASPEI Joint Scientific Meeting 2025
Participation in conference - Academic
What Can X-Rays Tell Us About Uranus's Unusual System?
Oral presentation
Can We Detect Soft X-Ray Emission from Uranus's Magnetosheath?
Oral presentation
FST Celebration of Science
Participation in conference - Academic
Autumn MIST (Birmingham 2024)
Participation in conference - Academic
STFC Introductory Course in Solar and Solar-Terrestrial Physics 2024
Participation in workshop, seminar, course
Charge Exchange X-Ray Universe 2024
Participation in conference - Academic
Postgraduate Research Prize
Prize (including medals and awards)
- Space and Planetary Physics