‘Rocky Planet Formation in the Outer Solar System’ by Dr. Ben Rider-Stokes

Join us for this fascinating talk at our first monthly meeting of 2026.

Dr. Ben Rider-Stokes is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at The Open University, specialising in planetary materials and asteroid science. His current research integrates laboratory spectroscopy with meteorite microanalysis to interpret the mineralogy of asteroids, providing ground truth for astronomical observations and supporting ongoing and future space missions. His focus is on linking differentiated planetesimals and their meteorite analogues to asteroid spectral properties, with implications for planetary formation, resource utilisation, and the evolution of the early Solar System.

Looking ahead, Dr. Rider-Stokes aims to build an academic career that advances our understanding of planetary bodies through chemical and spectroscopic techniques, while contributing to the teaching and mentoring of the next generation of planetary scientists.

The meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky.

We look forward to seeing you.