Welcome

Down2Earth was originally set up and run by Prof. Paul Roche (Cardiff University) as part of the Faulkes Telescope Project in partnership with the National Museum of Wales, supported by funding from the Science Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Following Paul's departure from FTP in March 2022, the D2E project is in a state of 'hibernation', but Paul will be working on revamping it, with plans for a relaunch in early 2023.

The project encompasses a variety of resources for students and teachers, enabling them to learn more about the science of asteroids and comets (including their detection, orbits, deflection, effects of impacts, mass extinctions and the properties of meteorites).

Using the Impact Calculator, students can create a virtual impact on Earth by changing the size, speed and composition of an approaching asteroid or comet.

Hand specimens are available on loan to educational institutions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland through our Meteorite Loan Box programme.

Useful links
Acknowledgements and legal notice