Dr Julia Cartwright

I am a planetary scientist, cosmochemist and expert in the study of meteorites who uses multiple geochemical and petrological analytical techniques with a focus on noble gases and chronometry, to try to better understand large- and small-scale processes in the Solar System.

I am interested in exploring important science questions such as:

• When did planetary differentiation occur in the rocky planets and asteroid belt?

• Can we investigate parent body magmatic activity at small scales?

• When did the major impact events in the inner Solar System happen?

• Did all rocky bodies experience the same impact history?

• Can we characterise and identify regolithic meteoritic materials?

• Can secondary processes like metamorphism and alteration be quantitatively constrained?

My research approach employs multiple techniques to investigate precious/unique meteorite materials, while preserving their geological context. Meteorites share some traits with terrestrial rocks, though require consideration of large-scale processes, such as the dynamics of planet formation, evolution and alteration (thermal/aqueous) or disruption (impacts/brecciation), for appropriate characterisation and interpretation.

Ultimately, I have to rely on very small pieces of material to tell very large stories about asteroids and planets.

And so, to Mercury....

I started here at the University of Leicester in 2024 as an Independent Research Fellow in the Institute for Space, where I will be focusing on understanding planetary regoliths, with a particular focus on Mercury, conducting research to support the upcoming BepiColombo mission, and incorporating my experience in cosmochemistry and meteoritics. 

BepiColombo is currently hurtling its way through space on the way to the smallest and least explored of the terrestrial planets and due to arrive in December 2026. The mission includes the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS), designed and built at the University of Leicester, which will use X-ray fluorescence techniques to assess the surface composition of Mercury. I will be contributing to this mission by assembling a database of XRF spectral analysis of Mercury-like materials (meteorites, analogues, etc.) gathered using identical purpose-built flight-spare instrumentation based in the lab at Space Park Leicester (SPL). Mercury’s surface composition is not well characterised, and there are some indications that there are distinct (likely complex) geological terranes, with indications of formation under reducing conditions, as well as unusual enrichments in volatiles. A key objective of my research is to analyse different geological materials to directly compare spectra in the lab to that gathered by the mission once it starts operations in early 2027. I will analyse materials of a variety of compositions, to include terrestrial rocks, as well as meteorites like aubrites and enstatite chondrites, which are thought to have formed under similar reducing conditions considered for Mercury. Alongside 'natural' materials, I will be synthesising Mercury-like compositions from different components, based off of the observed terranes on Mercury, characterised following the successful NASA MESSENGER mission, to assess their spectra in relation to MIXS. I am also working towards creating 3D structures to mimic physical features on Mercury’s surface (e.g., craters) to assess the effects of topography on spectral output, and will assess the extent of space weathering on materials and X-ray spectra through irradiation experiments.

I will be collaborating with the BepiColombo team here at UoL, as well as the larger consortium of researchers and laboratories situated in labs all over the world to further BepiColombo research. I am also leading my own research on various cosmochemistry topics (see 'Research'). If you are interested in collaborating with me, do send me an email. If you are interested in undergraduate/graduate research with me, see the ‘Research’ tab for links to available opportunities.

I study meteorites and planetary surfaces to better understand the formation and evolution of our Solar System. My research approach is to use multiple techniques to characterise extra-terrestrial materials either in terms of composition or in terms of chronology, and, where possible, compare to data from planetary bodies. More recently, I have become particularly interested in Mercury, and have been working as part of the MIXS team at the University of Leicester. I also have an interest in in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU), and have been involved in a few projects exploring applications to the lunar surface.

My specialities include the analysis of meteorites using noble gases (He-Xe) and halogens (Cl, Br, I), and chronology studies (e.g. Ar-Ar, CRE, Pb-Pb, U-Pb) alongside trace element systems. I am especially interested in studying materials at different scales (micro- and nanometre), the effects of space weathering on materials, as well as understanding magnetic properties and how they compare with physical and chemical markers. I am also working on interpreting X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data from materials analysed in the laboratory, to compare with remote sensing data.

Research Opportunities:

Research Publications:

• Amelin, Y. Yin, Q-Z, Koefoed, P., Merle, R., Hibiya, Y, Huyskens, M. Cartwright, J. A., (2024) Fractionation of Radiogenic Pb Isotopes in Meteorites and their Components Induced by Acid Leaching. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.

• Kouvatsis^# I., Cartwright J. A., and Hames W. (2024) The Aguas Zarcas Meteorite: Brecciation and Aqueous Alteration on the Parent Body. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 

• Boyd^#, M. R., Cartwright, J. A., Singh J., Bagot P. A. J., Bays C. L., Chan Q. H. S., Genge M. J. and Moody M. P. (2023) Multiscale evidence for weathering and the preservation of carbonaceous material in an Antarctic micrometeorite. Geochimica et Coscmochimica Acta 360:259-275.

• Kouvatsis# I., Cartwright J. A., and Whitehouse M. J. (2023) Lead-Lead (Pb-Pb) Dating of Eucrites and Mesosiderites: Implications for the Formation and Evolution of Vesta. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 348:369-380.

• Lopez J. J., Williams, M. B., Rushing T. W., Jordon J. B., Cartwright J. A., Thompson G. B., Allison P. G. (2023) Local Resource Utilization of Lunar Regolith for Manufacturing at the Point-of-Need of Metal Matrix Composites. In Earth and Space 2022: Space Exploration, Utilization, Engineering and Construction in Extreme Environments. (Book) Eds. Dreyer, C. B., Littel, J. American Society of Civil Engineers. 298-307.

• Cartwright, J.A., Hodges, K.V., Wadhwa M. (2022) Evidence Against a Late Heavy Bombardment Event on Vesta. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, July, 117576.

• Swindle, T., Atreya, S., Busemann, H., Cartwright, J.A., Mahaffy, P., Marty, B., Pack, A., Schwenzer, S.P. Scientific Value of Including an Atmospheric Sample as part of Mars Sample Return (MSR). (2022). Astrobiology 22:S-165-175.

• Rampe, E. B., Cartwright J. A., McCubbin, F. M., Osterloo, M. M. (2018) The Role of Halogens During Fluid and Magmatic Processes on Mars. In The Role of Halogens in Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Geochemical Processes. (Book) Eds. D. E. Harlov and L. Aranovich, Springer Geochemistry. 959-995.

• Cartwright J.A. (2015) Noble Gas Chemistry of Planetary Materials. In Planetary Mineralogy (Book) Eds. M. R. Lee and H. Leroux; EMU Notes in Mineraology Series, 15:165-212.

• Cartwright J.A., Ott U. and Mittlefehldt D.W. (2014) The quest for regolithic howardites. Part 2:  Surface origins highlighted by noble gases. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 140:488-508.

• Cartwright J.A., Ott, U., Hermann, Agee, C.B. (2014) Modern atmospheric signatures in 4.4 Ga Martian meteorite NWA 7034. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 400:77-87. 

• Mittlefehldt D.W., Herrin J.S., Quinn J.E., Mertzman S.A., Cartwright J.A., Mertzman K.R., and Peng, Z.X. (2013) Composition and petrology of HED polymict breccias: The regolith of (4) Vesta. Meteoritics & Planetary Science 48:2105-2134.

• Farley, K.A., Hurowitz, J.A., Asimow, P.D., Jacobson, N.S., and Cartwright, J.A. (2013). A double-spike method for K–Ar measurement: A technique for high precision in situ dating on Mars and other planetary surfaces: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 110:1-12.

• Jacobson, N.S., Hurowitz, J.A., Farley, K.A., Asimow, P.D. and Cartwright, J.A. (2013) (Invited) Novel Applications of Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry. The Electrochemical Society Transactions 58:3-12.

• Cartwright, J.A., Ott, U., Mittlefehldt, D.W., Herrin, J.S., Hermann, S., Mertzman, S.A., Mertzman, K.R., Peng, Z.X., and Quinn, J.E. (2013) The quest for regolithic howardites. Part 1: Two trends uncovered using noble gases: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 105:395-421.

• Cartwright, J.A., Gilmour, J.D., and Burgess, R. (2013) Martian fluid and Martian weathering signatures identified in Nakhla, NWA 998 and MIL 03346 by halogen and noble gas analysis: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 105:255-293.

• Llorca, J., Roszjar, J., Cartwright, J.A., Bischoff, A., Ott, U., Pack, A., Merchel, S., Rugel, G., Fimiani, L., Ludwig, P., Casado, J.V., and Allepuz, D. (2013) The Ksar Ghilane 002 shergottite—The 100th registered Martian meteorite fragment: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 48:493-513.

• Cartwright J.A., Ocker K. D., Crowther S.A., Burgess R., and Gilmour J.D. (2010) Terrestrial and Martian weathering signatures of xenon components in shergottite mineral separates. Meteoritics & Planetary Science 45:1359-1379. 

Recent Conference Proceedings:

Page building in progress!

I have taken part in a number of media/press events regarding planetary science and meteorites, including news articles, blogs, interviews, podcasts, panels/conventions.

A few highlights include:

• Featuring on the Zeiss Microscopy Blog, in an interview about my research on howardite meteorites, alongside the Sylacauga meteorites (see below), which you can view here.
• Appearances as a panelist at DragonCon, USA.
• Appearances on the TV show NASA’s Unexplained Files.
• Contributing to “The History Channel’s” podcast A Meteorite Hits Ann Hodges.

I also regularly take part in Outreach events at museums and schools, including at the National Space Centre in Leicester. If you’re interested in having me visit your school or institute, feel free to email me to enquire about my availability.

Art/Science with Rebecca Rutstein

I have collaborated with celebrated visual artist Rebecca Rutstein in research to investigate extra-terrestrial materials at different scales. This work was initiated following my involvement with the Collaborative Arts Research Initiative (University of Alabama, UA).

We have worked together to enhance examination and understandings of meteorites through the use of different media to improve understanding, encourage inspiration, and educate the public about planetary and space sciences. A collaboration that started in Spring 2020 (and continued to grow during the pandemic!), and has included regular meetings to examine meteorite thin sections, discuss and characterise textures that we have observed, and considering major Solar System processes.

In Spring 2022, we were approved for an exhibition in the Sarah Moody Gallery (SMG), and our research intensified in the run-up, with Rebecca producing 16 pieces for the show “Out of Thin Air: Microscopic Journeys through Cosmic Landscapes” (09/2022-10/2022, SMG, UA; Press releases: CARI release  &  SMG release). The exhibition was subsequently shown at Space Gallery, Denver Colorado (11/2022-01/2023), and Rebecca produced three new planetary-science-inspired pieces that she incorporated into her exhibition “Sublime Nature” at the Delaware County Community College (03/2023-04/2023).    

The Sylacauga Meteorite

Falling in the small township of Sylacauga, Alabama, USA in the early afternoon of the 30th November 1954, the main mass of the Sylacauga meteorite plummeted through the roof of a house rented by Mrs. Ann Hodges and her husband, striking their stand-up radio console in their living room, before ricocheting across the room toward Mrs. Hodges, who was napping on the sofa. The resulting blow to her abdomen became headlines across the region, nation, and internationally, securing this infamous rock (known affectionately as "the Hodges meteorite") as an important artefact in the history of impacts on the Earth. Importantly, this is the only documented meteorite in known history to have hit someone. This event had another facet: it catapulted Mrs. Hodges into a media spotlight, as a symbol of humanities' interaction with the extra-terrestrial.

Given the infamy of this meteorite, it has been the subject of significant interest, and I have been involved in a number of interviews/talks about it, as it was part of the collection at the Natural History Museum, University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. You can watch a video of me describing the Sylacauga meteorite here. I was also featured on The History Channel’s Podcast – A Meteorite Hits Ann Hodges.

I also collaborated with a team of artists/designers who led a project called “The Hodges Effect” about the Sylacauga meteorite, which included panel discussions (like this one and this one), and promotion of an International Meteorite awareness day.