AN ‘inspirational’ former East Lancashire college student who ‘revolutionised’ the study of moons will receive an award for his outstanding contributions to planetary science.

Scientist Dr John Spencer was awarded the 2016 Planetary Sciences Section Whipple award from the American Geophysical Union which honours those who have made outstanding contributions in the field of planetary science. The award is named after comet astronomer Fred Whipple.

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Dr Spencer, who attended Nelson and Colne College, is now based at the Southwest Research Institute in Texas where he uses earth-based telescopes, spacecraft observations and the Hubble Space Telescope to learn more about the solar system.

Dr Robin Canup, associate vice president in SwRI’s Space Science and Engineering Division, said: “John has revolutionised the study of moons in the outer solar system by deciphering what spacecraft observations tell us about how these fascinating objects formed and evolved.”

The former Colne Grammar School pupil is now a science team member on NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto.

He is also leading the search for Kuiper Belt targets beyond Pluto, and led the successful search for potential space debris to avoid on Pluto approach.

Amanda Melton, principal of Nelson and Colne College, said: “We are delighted to hear that John Spencer is receiving the Whipple award in December.

“John is a real inspiration to our students, and despite residing in Colorado has given a lot back to NCC following his time here.

“This includes acting as guest speaker at our alumni event last year, and delivering engaging presentations to our current students.

“A huge well done to John – this is richly deserved.”

Earlier this year Dr Spencer picked up an Association of College’s Gold Award, alongside author Malorie Blackman and DJ Reggie Yates, for his outstanding achievements in the field of planetary science.

He also spoke to recent graduate Lotte Gleeson who will be reading physics at the University of Oxford.

Margaret Leinen, AGU president, said: “This year’s section and focus group awardees and named lecturers represent some of the brightest scientific minds in Earth and space sciences “It is an incredible achievement to be selected and I congratulate John on this honor and thank him for his contribution to society.”