Hinckley Times

Professor who helped hunt Barwell Meteorite dies

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a astronomer who was part of the team that found fragments of the Barwell Meteorite.

Professor Arthur Jack Meadows died aged 82 with family members by his side.

He moved to the University of Leicester in 1965 as a lecturer in physics and started the Department of Astronomy that would go onto discover fragments of the meteorite.

The rock fell on Barwell on Christmas Eve, 1965, and was the heaviest of its kind recorded in Britain. Specimens are now on show at Leicester’s National Space Centre.

Prof Meadows remained at Leicester for two decades, becoming professor of astronomy and history of science before leaving in 1986 for a professor role at Loughborou­gh University.

He remained at the university until his retirement in 2001, holding several roles including head of department, a dean of education and humanities and finally as Pro-Vice Chancellor.

Prof Meadows legacy lives on through the many hundreds of books and journals he authored or co-authored.

He also has the honour of having a planet, which is 20 miles across and located between Pluto and Jupiter, named 4600 Meadows, after he discovered it.

Dr Louise Cooke, head of informatio­n management group, in Loughborou­gh’s school of business and economics, praised Prof Meadows for not only his academic achievemen­ts, but also his pastoral care for students.

She said: “He was always encouragin­g, supportive and cheerful, offering wisdom and insight as well as warmth and humanity.

“His wry sense of humour is exemplifie­d by his listing among his recreation­s in Who’s Who of ‘sleeping in meetings’.

“He was a regular worshipper at Leicester Cathedral, where for many years he was also a warden. He will be sorely missed.”

 ??  ?? Professor Arthur Jack Meadows founded the Astronomy Department at Leicester University which would find fragments of the Barwell Meteorite. He has died aged 82 Picture: University of Leicester.
Professor Arthur Jack Meadows founded the Astronomy Department at Leicester University which would find fragments of the Barwell Meteorite. He has died aged 82 Picture: University of Leicester.

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