Dr Nick Cooper

Profile

I have a broad interest in astronomy from the planetary to the galactic scale, with a particular emphasis on imaging and dynamics. 

As an Imaging Team associate on the Cassini-Huygens mission from 2002 to 2017, I worked with my QMUL colleague Prof Carl Murray on the dynamical evolution of the rings and inner moons of Saturn. I currently have active research collaborations with colleagues at the Paris Observatory, and Jinan University (China) and have had invited positions at the Paris Observatory, University of Lille and Jinan University. 

Teaching

I have taught mainly at postgraduate level, specialising in galactic astronomy and solar system dynamics, as part of the MSc in Astrophysics at QMUL.

Undergraduate Teaching

2016-17 : Tutorials SPA4101 Our Universe

Postgraduate Teaching

2020-21

• SPA7010 The Galaxy (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : lecturer
• SPA7020 Research Methods (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : deputy

2019-20

• SPA7010 The Galaxy (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : lecturer
• SPA7022 Solar System (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : deputy
• SPA7020 Research Methods (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : deputy

2018-19

• SPA7010 The Galaxy (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : lecturer

2017-18

• SPA7010 The Galaxy (MSc Astrophysics/MSci Physics) : lecturer

Research

Research Interests:

My research is mainly focused on studying the origin and dynamical evolution of the moons and rings of the giant planets in our solar system.

Since 2002, I have been working with Prof. Carl Murray at QMUL. Our work has been centered around using the Cassini Spacecraft to image the rings and small inner satellites of Saturn in order to study their dynamical and physical evolution, with particular emphasis on Saturn's weird and wonderful F Ring. Having access to a spacecraft orbiting Saturn has given us an unprecedented opportunity to watch this system evolve in situ for almost 13 years - a sort of living laboratory. Here is a news report on some past work: Cassini-images-ring-arcs-among-saturns-moons

In addition to working as an associate on the Cassini Imaging Team, I work closely with colleagues at the IMCCE, based at both the Paris Observatory and the Lille Observatory, as well as JPL/Caltech, and Jinan University (China). Together, we have an international group dedicated to using ground-based and spacecraft imaging data to constrain the dynamical timescale and internal processes of the Saturn system (http://www.issibern.ch/teams/saturnastrometry/).

Publications

• Rambaux N, Lainey V, Cooper N et al. (2022), Spherical harmonic decomposition and interpretation of the shapes of the small Saturnian inner moons★ $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202243355

  
  
• Zhang QF, Qin WH, Ma YL et al. (2022), Complementary astrometry of Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem images of phoebe $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2022.105553

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/80486
• Zhang QF, Zhou XM, Tan Y et al. (2021), A Comparison of Centering Algorithms in the Astrometry of Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem Images and Anthe’s Astrometric Reduction $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stab1626

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/72950
• Lainey V, Casajus LG, Fuller J et al. (2020), Publisher Correction: Resonance locking in giant planets indicated by the rapid orbital expansion of Titan $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/s41550-020-1149-5

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/65978
• Lainey V, Casajus LG, Fuller J et al. (2020), Resonance locking in giant planets indicated by the rapid orbital expansion of Titan $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2006.06854

  
  
• Lainey V, Gomez Casajus L, Fuller J et al. (2020), Resonance locking in giant planets indicated by the rapid orbital expansion of Titan $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/s41550-020-1120-5

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/64921
• Tiscareno MS, Nicholson PD, Cuzzi JN et al. (2019), Close-range remote sensing of Saturn’s rings during Cassini’s ring grazing orbits and grand finale $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1126/science.aau1017

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/58084
• Araujo NCS, Renner S, Cooper NJ et al. (2019), The dynamics of the outer edge of Saturn's A ring perturbed by the satellites Janus and Epimetheus $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1905.06645

  
  
• Araujo NCS, Renner S, Cooper NJ et al. (2019), The dynamics of the outer edge of Saturn’s A ring perturbed by the satellites Janus and Epimetheus $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stz1157

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/57698
• Lainey V, Noyelles B, Cooper N et al. (2019), Interior properties of the inner Saturnian moons from space astrometry data $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1903.03603

  
  
• Lainey V, Noyelles B, COOPER N et al. (2019), Interior properties of the inner Saturnian moons from space astrometry data $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2019.01.026

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/56274
• Zhang QF, Lainey V, Cooper NJ et al. (2018), First astrometric reduction of Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem images using an automatic procedure: application to Enceladus images 2013-2017 $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1093/mnras/sty2187

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/54657
• COOPER NJ, Lainey V, Meunier L-E et al. (2017), The Caviar Software Package for the Astrometric Reduction of Cassini ISS images: description and examples $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201731713

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/29010
• Zhang QF, Lainey V, Vienne A et al. (2017), Astrometric Reduction of Cassini ISS Images of Enceladus in 2015 Based on Gaia DR1 $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1017/s1743921317005555

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/56811
• Lainey V, Jacobson RA, Tajeddine R et al. (2017), New constraints on Saturn’s interior from Cassini astrometric data $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.07.014

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/15061
• Renner S, Cooper NJ, El Moutamid M et al. (2016), Origin of the chaotic motion of the saturnian satellite atlas $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.3847/0004-6256/151/5/122

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/13490
• Renner S, Cooper NJ, Moutamid ME et al. (2016), Origin of the chaotic motion of the Saturnian satellite Atlas $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1602.01967

  
  
• Lainey V, Jacobson RA, Tajeddine R et al. (2015), New constraints on Saturn's interior from Cassini astrometric data $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1510.05870

  
  
• Tajeddine R, Lainey V, Cooper NJ et al. (2015), Cassini ISS astrometry of the Saturnian satellites: Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Iapetus, and Phoebe 2004-2012 $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201425605

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/7545
• Cooper NJ, Renner S, Murray CD et al. (2015), Saturns inner satellites: Orbits, masses, and the chaotic motion of atlas from new cassini imaging observations $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1088/0004-6256/149/1/27

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/9585
• Cooper NJ, Murray CD, Lainey V et al. (2014), Cassini ISS mutual event astrometry of the mid-sized Saturnian satellites 2005-2012 $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201424555

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/7665
• Cooper NJ, Murray CD, Lainey V et al. (2014), Cassini ISS Mutual Event Astrometry of the Mid-sized Saturnian Satellites 2005-2012 $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1407.2045

  
  
• Murray CD, Cooper NJ, Williams GA et al. (2014), The discovery and dynamical evolution of an object at the outer edge of Saturn's A ring $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2014.03.024

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/7568
• Attree NO, Murray CD, Williams GA et al. (2014), A survey of low-velocity collisional features in Saturn's F ring $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2013.09.008

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/7383
• Attree NO, Murray CD, Williams GA et al. (2013), A Survey of Low-Velocity Collisional Features in Saturn's F Ring $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1309.3119

  
  
• Cooper NJ, Murray CD, Williams GA (2013), LOCAL VARIABILITY IN THE ORBIT OF SATURN'S F RING $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1088/0004-6256/145/6/161

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/10714
• Tajeddine R, Cooper NJ, Lainey V et al. (2013), Astrometric reduction of Cassini ISS images of the Saturnian satellites Mimas and Enceladus $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201220831

  
  
• Attree NO, Murray CD, Cooper NJ et al. (2012), DETECTION OF LOW-VELOCITY COLLISIONS IN SATURN'S F RING $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1088/2041-8205/755/2/L27

  
  
• Beurle K, Murray CD, Williams GA et al. (2010), DIRECT EVIDENCE FOR GRAVITATIONAL INSTABILITY AND MOONLET FORMATION IN SATURN's RINGS $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1088/2041-8205/718/2/L176

  
  
• Tiscareno MS, Burns JA, Sremcevic M et al. (2010), PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NON-KEPLERIAN ORBITAL MOTION OF "PROPELLER" MOONS EMBEDDED IN SATURN'S RINGS $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1088/2041-8205/718/2/L92

  
  
• Hedman MM, Cooper NJ, Murray CD et al. (2010), Aegaeon (Saturn LIII), a G-ring object $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2009.10.024

  
  
• Hedman MM, Cooper NJ, Murray CD et al. (2009), Aegaeon (Saturn LIII), a G-ring object $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.0911.0171

  
  
• Hedman MM, Murray CD, Cooper NJ et al. (2009), Three tenuous rings/arcs for three tiny moons $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2008.11.001

  
  
• Chávez CE, Murray CD, Beurle K et al. (2008), Observed channels in saturn's F ring by the cassini spacecraft and their relationship to prometheus $nameOfConference

  
  
• Murray CD, Beurle K, Cooper NJ et al. (2008), The determination of the structure of Saturn's F ring by nearby moonlets. $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/nature06999

  
  
• Cooper NJ, Murray CD, Evans MW et al. (2008), Astrometry and dynamics of Anthe (S/2007 S 4), a new satellite of Saturn $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2008.01.006

  
  
• Jacobson RA, Spitale J, Porco CC et al. (2008), Revised orbits of Saturn's small inner satellites $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1088/0004-6256/135/1/261

  
  
• Cooper NJ, Murray CD, Porco CC et al. (2006), Cassini ISS astrometric observations of the inner jovian satellites, Amalthea and Thebe $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2005.11.007

  
  
• Murray CD, Cooper NJ, Evans MW et al. (2005), S/2004 S 5: A new co-orbital companion for Dione $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2005.06.009

  
  
• Murray CD, Chavez C, Beurle K et al. (2005), How Prometheus creates structure in Saturn's F ring. $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/nature04212

  
  
• Porco CC, Baker E, Barbara J et al. (2005), Imaging of Titan from the Cassini spacecraft $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/nature03436

  
  
• Porco CC, Baker E, Barbara J et al. (2005), Cassini Imaging Science: Initial results on Phoebe and Iapetus $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1126/science.1107981

  
  
• Porco CC, Baker E, Barbara J et al. (2005), Cassini Imaging Science: Initial results on Saturn's atmosphere $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1126/science.1107691

  
  
• Porco CC, Baker E, Barbara J et al. (2005), Cassini Imaging Science: Initial results on Saturn's rings and small satellites $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1126/science.1108056

  
  
• Cooper NJ, Murray CD (2004), Dynamical influences on the orbits of Prometheus and Pandora $nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1086/381071