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The U.S. Naval Academy

Portrait 2024

U.S. Naval Academy
Physics Department
572C Holloway Road
Annapolis, MD 21402

Email: knight@usna.edu

Assistant Professor Matthew Knight

Matthew Knight's Curiculum Vitae

Publications

Refereed Publications

References and citation count according to Google scholar. Also my ADS Library [all papers] or [first / corresponding author], and my ORCID profile.

**Denotes student-led papers on which I was the second author and/or team papers on which I was contacting author. Students are in italics.

  1. Murphy, B.P., Opitom, C., Snodgrass, C., Deam, S.E., Ferellec, L., Knight, M.M., Okoth, V., Yang, B. Recent Chemo-morphological Coma Evolution of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. MNRAS, in press. [arXiv]
  2. Kokotanekova, R., Guilbert-Lepoutre, A., Knight, M., Vincent, J.-B. 2025. Evolutionary processes in the Centaur region. Centaurs (edited by K. Volk, M. Womack, J. Steckloff). IOP Publishing, Chapter 7 (35pp).
  3. Snodgrass, C., Holt, C.E., Kelley, M.S.P., Opitom, C., Guilbert-Lepoutre, A., Knight, M.M., Kokotanekova, R., Jehin, E., Mazzotta Epifani, E., Migliorini, A., Tubiana, C., Micheli, M., Farnocchia, D. First JWST spectrum of distant activity in long-period comet C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos). MNRAS 541, L8-L13 (6pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  4. Thomas, C.A., Rivkin, A.S., Wong, I., Knight, M.M., Marshall, S.E., Haberle, C.W., Madden-Watson, A., Emery, J.P., Gustafsson, A., Milam, S.N., Hammel, H.B., Howell, E.S., Vervack, R.J. Multiwavelength JWST Observations of (3200) Phaethon Show A Dehydrated Object with an Aqueously Altered Origin. PSJ 6, id.115 (13pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  5. Knight, M.M., Kokotanekova, R., Samarasinha, N.H. 2024. Physical Properties of Comet Nuclei from Remote Observations. Comets III (edited by K.J Meech et al.), Space Science Series, University of Arizona Press, p.361-404. [arXiv] [ADS (preprint version)] [ADS published version]
  6. Holt, C.E., Knight, M.M., and 16 co-authors. Brightness behavior of distant Oort cloud comets. PSJ 5, id.273, (21pp). [ADS]
  7. Hsieh, H.H., and 17 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). The Volatile Composition and Activity Evolution of Main-Belt Comet 358P/PANSTARRS from Ground-Based and JWST Observations. PSJ 6, id.3 (25 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  8. Jones, G.H., and 230 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) The Comet Interceptor Mission. Space Science Reviews 220, id.9 (83pp). [ADS]
  9. Weaver, H.A. and 23 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) Lucy observations of the DART impact event. PSJ 5, id.43 (10pp). [ADS]
  10. Chabot, N.L. and 128 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) Achievement of the Planetary Defense Investigations of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission. PSJ 5, id.49 (24pp). [ADS]
  11. Moskovitz, N. and 80 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) Photometry of the Didymos system across the DART impact apparition. PSJ 5, id.35 (28pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  12. Kareta, T. and 87 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) Ejecta Evolution Following a Planned Impact into an Asteroid: The First Five Weeks. ApJL 959, id.L12, 12pp. [arXiv] [ADS]
  13. Murphy, B.P., Opitom, C., Snodgrass, C., Knight, M.M., Li, J.-Y., Chabot, N.L., Rivkin, A.S., Green, S.F., Guetzoyan, P., Gardener, D., de León, J. VLT/MUSE Characterisation of Dimorphos Ejecta from the DART Impact. PSJ 4, id.238, 17pp. [arXiv] [ADS]
  14. Bemporad, A., and 38 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) Analysis of the first coronagraphic multi-band observations of a sungrazing comet. A&A 680, A90, 18 pp. [ADS]
  15. Zhang, Q., Battams, K., Ye, Q., Knight, M.M., Schmidt, C.A. 2023. Sodium Brightening of (3200) Phaethon Near Perihelion. PSJ 4, id.70, 23pp. [arXiv] [ADS]
  16. Li, J.-Y., Hirabayashi, M., Farnham, T.L., Sunshine, J.M., Knight, M.M., and 59 co-authors. 2023. Ejecta from the DART-produced active asteroid Dimorphos. Nature 616, 7957, p.452-456. [arXiv] [ADS]
  17. Thomas, C.M. and 48 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). 2023. Orbital Period Change of Dimorphos Due to the DART Kinetic Impact. Nature 616, 7957, p.448-451. [arXiv] [ADS]
  18. Opitom, C., Murphy, B., Snodgrass, C., Bagnulo, S., Green, S.F., Knight, M.M., de Leon, J., Li, J.-Y., Gardener, D. 2023. Morphology and spectral properties of the DART impact ejecta with VLT/MUSE. A&A 671, id.L11 (7pp). [ADS]
  19. Schwamb, M.E., and 29 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). Tuning the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Observing Strategy for Solar System Science. ApJS LSST Cadence Focus Issue, 266, id.22 (68pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  20. Hsieh, H.H., and 11 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). 2023. Observational Characterization of Main-Belt Comet and Candidate Main-Belt Comet Nuclei. PSJ 4, 43 (22pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  21. Battams, K., Gutarra-Leon, A.J., Gallagher, B.M., Knight, M.M., Stenborg, G., Tanner, S., Linton, M.G., Szalay, J.R., Kelley, M.S.P., Howard, R.A. 2022. Continued PSP/WISPR Observations of a Phaethon-related Dust Trail. ApJ 936, 81 (18pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  22. **Holt, C.E., Knight, M.M., Kelley, M.S.P., Ye, Q., Hsieh, H.H., Snodgrass, C., Fitzsimmons, A., Richardson, D.C., Sunshine, J.M., Eisner, N.L., Gustaffson, A. 2022. Surface Properties of Near-Sun Asteroids. PSJ 3, 187 (17pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  23. Pravec, P., and 25 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). 2022. Photometric observations of the binary near-Earth asteroid (65803) Didymos in 2015-2021 prior to DART impact. PSJ 3, 175 (22pp). [ADS]
  24. Kelley, M.S.P., Kokotanekova, R., Holt, C.E., Protopapa, S., Bodewits, D., Knight, M.M., Lister, T., Usher, H., Chatelain, J., Gomez, P., Greenstreet, S., Angel, T., Wooding, B. 2022. A LOOK at Outbursts of Comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) Near 20 au. ApJL 933, L44 (10pp). [arXiv] [ADS] 
  25. Lister, T.A., and 35 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). 2022. The LCO Outbursting Objects Key Project: Overview and Year 1 Status. PSJ 3, 173 (22pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  26. Knezic, R., Bagnulo, S., Jones, G.H., Knight, M.M., Borisov, G. 2022. Polarimetric Analysis of STEREO Observations of sungrazing Kreutz comet C/2010 E6 (STEREO). MNRAS 513, pp. 2226-2238. [arXiv] [ADS] 
  27. Hsieh, H.H., and 19 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) 2021.  Physical Characterization of Main-Belt Comet (248370) 2005 QN173. ApJL 922, L9 (10 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  28. Zhang, Q., Ye, Q., Vissapragada, S., Knight, M.M., Farnham, T.L. 2021. Preview of Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard) and Its Encounter with Venus. AJ 162, 194 (13pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  29. Noonan, J.W., Rinaldi, G., Feldman, P.D., Stern, S.A., Parker, J.W., Keeney, B.A., Bockelee-Morvan, D., Vervack, R.J., Jr., Steffl, A.J., Knight, M.M., Schindhelm, R.N., Feaga, L.M., Pineau, J., Medina, R., Weaver, H.A., Bertaux, J.-L., A'Hearn, M.F. 2021. Analysis of Hybrid Gas-Dust Outbursts Observed at 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. AJ 162, 4 (19 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  30. Noonan, J.W., Bockelee-Morvan, D., Feldman, P.D., Stern, S.A., Keeney, B.A.,Parker, J.W., Biver, N., Knight, M.M., Feaga, L.M., Hofstadter, M.D., Lee, S., Vervack, R.J., Jr., Steffl, A.J., Schindhelm, R.N., Pineau, J., Medina, R., Weaver, H.A., Bertaux, J.-L., A'Hearn, M.F. 2021. Spatial Distribution of Ultraviolet Emission from Cometary Activity at 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. AJ 162, 5 (17 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  31. Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G., Farnham, T.L. 2021. Narrowband Observations of Comet 46P/Wirtanen During its Exceptional Apparition of 2018/19 II: Photometry, Jet Morphology, and Modeling Results. PSJ 2, 104 (23 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  32. Hsieh, H.H., Ishiguro, M., Knight, M.M., Moskovitz, N.A., Sheppard, S.S., Trujillo, C.A. 2021. The Reactivation of Main-Belt Comet 259P/Garradd (P/2008 R1). PSJ 2, 62 (10 pp). [arXiv] [ADS] 
  33. Farnham, T.L., Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G., Feaga, L.M., Bodewits, D., Skiff, B.A., Schindler, J. 2021. Narrowband Observations of Comet 46P/Wirtanen During Its Exceptional Apparition of 2018/19 I: Apparent Rotation Period and Outbursts. PSJ 2, 7 (15 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  34. Ye, Q., Knight, M.M., Kelley, M.S.P., Moskovitz, N.A., Gustafsson, Schleicher, D. 2021. A Deep Search for Emission From "Rock Comet" (3200) Phaethon At 1 AU. PSJ 2, 23 (13 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  35. Strom, P.A., Bodewits, D., Knight, M.M. and 24 co-authors. 2020. Exocomets from a Solar System Perspective. PASP 132, 101001 (19 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  36. Mommert, M. and 14 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). 2020. Recurrent Cometary Activity in Near-Earth Object (3552) Don Quixote. PSJ 1, 12 (10pp). [ADS]
  37. Mommert, M., Trilling, D.E., Hora, J.L., LeJoly, C., Gustafsson, A., Knight, M., Moskovitz, N., Smith, H.A. 2020. Systematic Characterization of and Search for Activity in Potentially Active Asteroids. PSJ 1, 10 (14pp). [ADS]
  38. Battams, K., Knight, M.M., Kelley, M.S.P., Gallagher, B.M., Howard, R.A., Stenborg, G. 2020. Parker Solar Probe Observations of a Dust Trail in the Orbit of (3200) Phaethon. ApJS 246, 64 (10pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  39. Hui, M.T., Knight, M.M. 2019. New Insights into Interstellar Object 1I/2017 U1 (`Oumuamua) from SOHO/STEREO Nondetections. AJ 158, 256 (8 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  40. Farnham, T.L, Kelley, M.S.P, Knight, M.M., Feaga, L.M. 2019. First Results from TESS Observations of Comet 46P/Wirtanen. ApJL 886, L24 (6 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  41. Keeney, B.A., Stern, S.A., Vervack Jr., R.J., M.M. Knight, and 11 co-authors. 2019. Upper Limits for Emissions in the Coma of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko Near Perihelion as Measured by Rosetta's Alice Far-Ultraviolet Spectrograph. AJ 158, 252 (7 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  42. McKay, A.J. and 16 co-authors (include M.M. Knight). 2019. The Peculiar Volatile Composition of CO-Dominated Comet C/2016 R2 (PanSTARRS). AJ 158, 128 (24 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  43. **The ISSI 'Oumuamua Team (contacting author Knight, M.M.) 2019. The Natural History of 'Oumuamua. Nature Astronomy 3, 594-602. [arXiv][ADS] Read online for free.
  44. **Eisner, N.L., Knight, M.M., Snodgrass, C., Kelley, M.S.P., Fitzsimmons, A., Kokotanekova, R. 2019. Properties of the Bare Nucleus of Comet 96P/Machholz 1. AJ 157, 186 (14 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  45. Keeney, B.A., and 15 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). 2019. Stellar Occultation by Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko Observed with Rosetta’s Alice Far-Ultraviolet Spectrograph. AJ, 157, 173 (7 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  46. Schleicher, D.G., Knight, M.M., Eisner, N.L., Thirouin, A. 2019. Gas Jet Morphology and the Very Rapidly Increasing Rotation Period of Comet 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresák. AJ, 157, 108 (16pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  47. Holler, B., and 31 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M. 2018. Solar System science with the Wide-Field InfraRed Survey Telescope (WFIRST). J. of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems, 4, 034003 [arXiv][ADS]
  48. Hsieh, H.H., and 9 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) 2018. The 2016 Reactivations of Main-Belt Comets 238P/Read and 288P/(300163) 2006 VW139. AJ, 156, 223 (18pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  49. Bair, A.N., Schleicher, D.G., Knight, M.M. 2018. Coma Morphology, Numerical Modeling, and Production Rates for Comet C/Lulin (2007 N3). AJ, 156, 159 (22 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  50. Hsieh, H., Ishiguru, I., Knight, M., Micheli, M., Moskovitz, N., Sheppard, S., Trujillo, C. 2018. The Reactivation and Nucleus Characterization of Main-Belt Comet 358P/PANSTARRS (P/2012 T1). AJ 156, 39 (10pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  51. Noonan, J., and 16 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) 2018. Ultraviolet observations of Coronal Mass Ejection impact on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by Rosetta Alice. ApJ 156, 16 (11pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  52. Raymond, J.C., Downs, C., Knight, M.M., Battams, K., Giordano, S., Rosati, Richard. 2018. Comet C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy) between 2 and 10 Solar Radii: Physical Parameters of the Comet and the Corona. ApJ 858, 1 (13pp.). [ADS] [ApJ]
  53. Bodewits, D., Farnham, T.L., Kelley, M.S.P., Knight, M.M. 2018. A rapid decrease in the rotation rate of comet 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák. Nature 553, 186-188. [arXiv] [ADS] [Nature]
  54. Feldman, P.D., A'Hearn, M.F., Bertaux, J.-L., Feaga, L.M., Keeney, B.A., Knight, M.M., Noonan, J., Parker, J.Wm., Schindhelm, E., Steffl, A.J., Stern, S.A., Vervack, R.J., Weaver, H.A. 2018. FUV Spectral Signatures of Molecules and the Evolution of the Gaseous Coma of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. AJ, 155, 9 (9pp.). [arXiv][ADS]
  55. Jones, G.H., Knight, M.M., Battams, K., Boice, D., Brown, J., Giordano, S., Raymond, J., Snodgrass, C., Steckloff, J., Weissman, P., Fitzsimmons, A., Lisse, C., Opitom, C., Birkett, K.S., Bzowski, M., Decock, A., Mann, I., Ramanjooloo, Y., McCauley, P. 2018. The Science of Sungrazers, Sunskirters, and other Near-Sun Comets. Space Science Reviews, 214, 20 (86 pp.). [SSR] [ADS]
  56. Knight, M.M., Protopapa, S., Kelley, M.S.P., Farnham, T.L., Bauer, J.M., Bodewits, D., Feaga, L.M., Sunshine, J.M. 2017. On the rotation period and shape of the hyperbolic asteroid 1I/‘Oumuamua (2017 U1) from its lightcurve. ApJ, 851, L31 (5pp.) [arXiv][ADS]
  57. Knight, M.M., Snodgrass, C., Vincent, J.-B., Conn, B.C., Skiff, B.A., Schleicher, D.G., Lister, T. 2017. Gemini and Lowell Observations of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko During the Rosetta Mission. MNRAS, 469, S661-S674. [arXiv][ADS]
  58. **Eisner, N., Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G. 2017. The Rotation and Other Properties of Comet 49P/Arend-Rigaux, 1984-2012. AJ, 154, 196 (18 pp.). [arXiv][ADS]
  59. Snodgrass, C., Agarwal, J., Combi, M., Fitzsimmons, A., Guilbert-Lepoutre, A., Hsiesh, H.H., Hui, M.-T., Jehin, E., Kelley, M.S.P., Knight, M.M., Opitom, C., Orosei, R., de Val-Borro, M., Yang, B. 2017. The Main Belt Comets and Ice in the Solar System. A&A Review, 25, 5 (59pp.). [arXiv][ADS]
  60. Battams, K., Knight, M.M. 2017. SOHO Comets: 20-Years and 3,000 Objects Later. Philosophical Transactions A., 375, 20160257 (19 pp). [Phil. Trans. A] [arXiv][ADS]
  61. Snodgrass, C., et al. (includes Knight, M.M.) 2017. The 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko observation campaign in support of the Rosetta mission. Philosophical Transactions A., 375, 20160249 (22 pp). [Phil. Trans. A] [arXiv] [ADS]
  62. Grun, E., et al. (includes Knight, M.M.) 2016. The 19 Feb. 2016 Outburst of Comet 67P/CG: A Rosetta Multi-Instrument Study. MNRAS, 462, S220-S234. [ADS]
  63. Schleicher, D.G., Knight, M.M. 2016. The extremely low activity comet 209P/LINEAR during its extraordinary close approach in 2014. AJ, 152, 89. [arXiv][ADS]
  64. Knight, M.M., Fitzsimmons, A., Kelley, M.S.P., Snodgrass, C. 2016. Comet 322P/SOHO 1: An asteroid with the smallest perihelion distance? ApJL, 823, L6 (6pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  65. Snodgrass, C., Jehin, E., Manfroid, J., Opitom, C., Fitzsimmons, A., Tozzi, G.P., Faggi, S., Knight, M.M., Conn, B.C., Lister, T., Hainaut, O., Bramich, D.M., Lowry, S.C., Rozek, A., Tubiana, C., Guilbert-Lepoutre, A. 2015. The distant activity of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014: Ground-based results during the Rosetta pre-landing phase. A&A, 588, A80 (12 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  66. Kelley, M.S.P., Woodward, C.E., Bodewits, D., Farnham, T.L., Gudipati, M., Harker, D.E., Hines, D.C., Knight, M.M., Kolokolova, L., Li, A., de Pater, I., Protopapa, S., Russell, R.W., Sitko, M.L., Wooden, D.H. 2015. Cometary Science with the James Webb Space Telescope. Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 128, 018009 (13 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  67. Samarasinha, N.H., Mueller, B.E.A., Knight, M.M., Farnham, T.L., and 43 colleagues. 2015. Results from the Worldwide Coma Morphology Campaign for Comet ISON (C/2012 S1). Planetary and Space Science, 118, 127-137. [PSS][ADS]
  68. Zubko, E., Videen, G., Hines, D.C., Shkuratov, Y., Kaydash, V., Muinonen, K., Knight, M.M., Sitko, M.L., Lisse, C.M., Mutchler, M., Wooden, D.H., Li, J.-Y., Kobayashi, H. 2015. Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) coma composition at ~4 au from HST observations. Planetary and Space Science, 118, 138-163. [ADS]
  69. Bemporad, A., Giordano, S., Raymond, J.C., Knight, M.M. 2015. Study of sungrazing comets with space-based coronagraphs: new possibilities offered by METIS on board Solar Orbiter. Advances in Space Research, 56, 2288-2297. [ADS]
  70. Hui, M.-T., Ye, Q.-Z., Knight, M.M., Battams, K., Clark, D. 2015. Gone in a Blaze of Glory: the Demise of Comet C/2015 D1 (SOHO). ApJ, 813, 73 (17pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  71. Knight, M.M., Mueller, B.E.A., Samarasinha, N.H., Schleicher, D.G. 2015. A Further Investigation of Apparent Periodicities and the Rotational State of Comet 103P/Hartley 2 from Combined Coma Morphology and Lightcurve Datasets. AJ, 150, 22 (14 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  72. Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G. 2015. Observations of Comet ISON (C/2012 S1) from Lowell Observatory. AJ, 149, 19 (15 pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  73. Knight, M.M., Battams, K. 2014. Preliminary Analysis of SOHO/STEREO Observations of Sungrazing Comet ISON (C/2012 S1) Around Perihelion. ApJ, 782, L37 (5pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  74. Knight, M.M., Walsh, K.J. 2013. Will Comet ISON (C/2012 S1) Survive Perihelion? ApJ, 776, L5 (5pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  75. Schleicher, D.G., Knight, M.M., Levine, S.E. 2013. The Nucleus of Comet 10P/Tempel 2 in 2013 and Consequences Regarding Its Rotational State: Early Science from the Discovery Channel Telescope. AJ, 146:137 (8pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  76. Li, J.-Y., Kelley, M.S.P., Knight, M.M., Farnham, T.L., Weaver, H.A., A'Hearn, M.F., Mutchler, M.J., Kolokolova, L., Lamy, P., Toth, I. 2013. Characterizing the Dust Coma of Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) at 4.15 AU from the Sun. ApJ, 779, L3. [arXiv][ADS]
  77. Hines, D.C., Videen, G., Zubko, E., Muinonen, K., Shkuratov, Y., Kaydaash, V.G., Knight, M.M., Sitko, M.L., Lisse, C.M., Mutchler, M., Hammer, D., Yanamandra-Fisher, P.A. 2013. Hubble Space Telescope Pre-Perihelion ACS/WFC Imaging Polarimetry of Comet ISON (C/2012 S1) at 3.81 AU. ApJ, 780, L32 (6pp). [arXiv][ADS]
  78. Lamy, P., Faury, G., Llebaria, A., Knight, M., A'Hearn, M.F., Battams, K. 2013. Sunskirting Comets Discovered with the LASCO Coronagraphs Over the Decade 1996-2008. Icarus, 226, 1350-1398 [ADS]
  79. Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G. 2013. The Highly Unusual Outgassing of Comet 103P/Hartley 2 from Narrowband Photometry and Imaging of the Coma. Icarus, 222, 691-706. [pre-print][Icarus][ADS]
  80. Lisse, C.M., Christian, D.J., Wolk, S., Dennerl, K., Bodewits, D., Combi, M.R., Lepri, S.T., Zurbuchen, T.H., Dello Russo, N., Belton, M.J.S., Knight, M.M. 2013. Chandra ACIS-S Imaging Spectroscopy of Rotationally Modulated X-ray Emission From Comet 103P/Hartley 2 During the EPOXI Encounter. Icarus, 222, 752-765. [Icarus][ADS]
  81. Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G., Farnham, T.L., Schwieterman, E.W., Christensen, S.R. 2012. A Quarter-Century of Observations of Comet 10P/Tempel 2 at Lowell Observatory: Continued Spin-Down, Coma Morphology, Production Rates, and Numerical Modeling. The Astronomical Journal, 144:153 (25pp). [pre-print][ADS]
  82. Hsieh, H.H., and 38 colleagues (including Knight, M.M.). 2011. Observational and Dynamical Characterization of Main-Belt Comet P/2010 R2 (La Sagra). The Astronomical Journal 143:104 (16pp) [ADS][pre-print]
  83. Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G. 2011. CN Morphology Studies of Comet 103P/Hartley 2. The Astronomical Journal 141:183 (14pp). [ADS] [pre-print] [AJ Cover]
  84. Meech, K.J., and 191 colleagues (including Knight, M.M.). 2011. EPOXI: Observations from a Worldwide Earth-Based Campaign. The Astrophysical Journal Letters 734:L1 (9pp). [ADS]
  85. Knight, M.M., Farnham, T.L., Schleicher, D.G., Schwieterman, E.W. 2011. The Increasing Rotation Period of Comet 10P/Tempel 2. The Astronomical Journal 141:2 (14pp) [ADS][pre-print]
  86. Knight, M.M., A'Hearn, M.F., Biesecker, D.A., Faury, G., Hamilton, D.P., Lamy, P., Llebaria, A. 2010. Photometric Study of the Kreutz Comets Observed by SOHO from 1996-2005. The Astronomical Journal 139, 926-949. [ADS][reprint]
  87. Farnham, T.L., Samarasinha, N.H., Mueller, B.E.A., Knight, M.M. 2007. Cyanogen Jets and the Rotation State of Comet Machholz (C/2004 Q2). The Astronomical Journal, 133, 2001-2007. [ADS][reprint]
  88. Knight, M.M., Walsh, K.J., A'Hearn, M.F., Swaters, R.A., Zauderer, B.A., Samarasinha, N., Vasquez, R., Reitsema, H. 2007. Ground-based Visible and Near-IR Observations of Comet 9P/Tempel 1 During the Deep Impact Encounter. Icarus 187, 199-207. [ADS][reprint] Also published in the Deep Impact at Comet Tempel 1 book (M.F. A'Hearn and M.R. Combi editors), Icarus 191, 403-411. [ADS]
  89. Meech, K. J., and 207 colleagues (including M. Knight). 2005. Deep Impact: Observations from a Worldwide Earth-Based Campaign. Science, 310, 265-269. [ADS]

Submitted Publications

  1. Chandler, C.O. and 211 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Observations of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1). PSJ, submitted. [arXiv]
  2. Opitom, C. and 21 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). Snapshot of a new interstellar comet: 3I/ATLAS has a red and featureless spectrum. MNRAS, submitted. [arXiv]
  3. Deam, S.E., Bannister, M.T., Opitom, C., Knight, M.M., Ridden-Harper, R., Seligman, D.Z., Fitzsimmons, A., Guilbert-Lepoutre, A., Jehin, E., Jorda, L., Marsset, M., Moulane, Y., Rousselot, P., Vernazza, P., Yang, B. A portrait throughout perihelion of the NH2-rich interstellar comet 2I/Borisov. PSJ, submitted. [arXiv]
  4. Zhang, Q., Ye, Q., Battams, K., Knight, M.M., Boonplod, W., Kracht, R. Covertly active comet (139359) 2001 ME1. PSJ, submitted.
  5. Andreoni, I. and 87 co-authors (includes Knight, M.). Rubin ToO 2024: Envisioning the Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST Target of Opportunity Program. ApJSS, submitted. [arXiv]
  6. Benseguane, S., Guilbert-Lepoutre, A., Knight, M.M., Lasue, J., Beth, A. Influence of a comet nucleus shape on its activity as observed from the ground. AJ, submitted.
  7. Bannister, M.T., and 13 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.). Interstellar comet 2I/Borisov as seen by MUSE: C2, NH2 and red CN detections. ApJL, submitted. [arXiv]

Other Publications

  1. Larsen, J., Maceo, C., Fernald, I., Knight, M.M., Kang, J., Sanders, M., Savattone, Minelli, G., Lan, W. 2025. Optical Observation of Mola CubeSat in Orbit Using Ground Telescope. 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference, SSC25-RAI-010.
  2. Ye, Q., Zhang, Q., Guiñez, C., Maldonado, V., Rojo, P., Bauer, J.M., Battams, K., Knight, M.M. Constraints on the Bright Meyer Group Comet C/2023 F2 (SOHO). RNAAS 7, id.12 [ADS]
  3. Schwamb, M.E., and 13 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) 2021. Year 1 of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST); Recommendations for Template Production to Enable Solar System Small Body Transient and Time Domain Science. RNAAS 5, 143. [ADS] 
  4. Vera C. Rubin Observatory Solar System Science Collaboration, Jones, R.L., Bannister, M.T., Bolin, B.T., Chandler, C.O., Chesley, S.R., Eggl, S., Greenstreet, S., Holt, T.R., Hsieh, H.H, Ivezic, Z., Juric, M., Kelley, M.S.P., Knight, M.M., Malhotra, R., Oldroyd, W.J., Sarid, G., Schwamb, M.E., Snodgrass, C., Solontoi, M., Trilling, D.E. 2021. The Scientific Impact of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) for Solar System Science, BAAS 53, 236. (Planetary Science Decadal Survey White Paper) [arXiv] [ADS]
  5. Holler, B.J., and 31 co-authors (includes Knight, M.M.) 2021. Solar system science with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. BAAS 53, 30. (Planetary Science Decadal Survey White Paper) [ADS]
  6. Roth, N.X., and 17 co-authors (includes Knight, M.). 2021. The Crucial Role of Ground- and Space-Based Remote Sensing Studies of Cometary Volatiles in the Next Decade (2023-2032). BAAS 53, 198. (Planetary Science Decadal Survey White Paper) [arXiv] [ADS]
  7. Ye, Q.-Z., Farnham, T.L., Knight, M.M., Holt, C.E., Feaga, L.M. 2020. Recovery of Returning Halley-Type Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks With the Lowell Discovery Telescope. RNAAS 4, 7. [arXiv] [ADS]
  8. Schwamb, M.E., Knight, M.M., Jones, G.H., Snodgrass, C., Bucci, L., Sanchez Perez, J.M., Skuppin, N. (for the Comet Interceptor Science Team). 2020. Potential Backup Targets for Comet Interceptor. RNAAS, 4, 21. arXiv:2002.01744. [arXiv] [ADS]
  9. Hsieh, H.H., and 14 colleagues (including M.M. Knight). 2019. Maximizing LSST Solar System Science: Approaches, SoftwareTools, and Infrastructure Needs. arXiv:1906.11346 (82 pages). [arXiv] [ADS]
  10. Holler, B.J., and 35 colleagues (including M.M. Knight). 2019. "It's full of asteroids!": Solar system science with a large field of view. Astro2020 Decadal White Paper (5 pages). [ADS]
  11. Seaman, R., and 12 colleagues (including M.M. Knight). 2018. A near-Sun Solar System Twilight Survey with LSST. arXiv:1812.00466 (13 pages). [arXiv][ADS]
  12. Schwamb, M.E., and 20 colleagues (including M.M. Knight). 2018. Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Solar System Science Roadmap. arXiv:1802.01783 (7 pp). [arXiv] [ADS]
  13. Jones, G., Knight, M.M., Fitzsimmons, A., Taylor, M.G.G.T. 2017. Cometary science after Rosetta. Philosophical Transactions A., 375, 20170001 (6 pp). [Phil. Trans. A][ADS]

Circulars and Telegrams

  1. Knight, M.M., Skiff, B.A., Schleicher, D.G., Spiro, L.G., I.C. Fernald, B.Y. Guan, L.J. Lininger, J.A. Larsen. Rotation period of comet 12P/Pons-Brooks from CN morphology. ATEL 16508. [ATEL]
  2. Knight, M.M., Holt, C.E., Villa, K.M., Skiff, B.A., Schleicher, D.G. Rotation period of comet C/2022 E3 ZTF from CN morphology. ATEL 15879. [ATEL]
  3. Knight, M., Battams, K. Morphology and photometry of comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) from SOHO. ATEL 13853. [ATEL] [ADS]
  4. Knight, M. M., Holt, C.E., Ye, Q.-Z., Feaga, L.M., Kelley, M.S.P., Shumar, L., Sanborn, J., Hayslip, A. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks. CBET 4805 [CBAT] (subscription required)
  5. Knight, M., Battams, K. Morphology and photometry of comet C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS) from STEREO-A HI-1. ATEL 13813. [ATEL] [ADS]
  6. Hsieh, H.H., Pittichova, J., Knight, M.M. COMET 313P/GIBBS. CBET 4661. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  7. Farnham, T.L., Knight, M.M., Schleicher, D.G. COMET 46P/WIRTANEN. CBET 4571. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  8. Kramer, E., Knight, M., Bauer, J. COMET C/2018 EF9 (Lemmon). MPEC 2018-H55. [MPEC]
  9. Bodewits, D.B., Farnham, T.L., Knight, M.M., Siegel, M. COMET 41P/TUTTLE-GIACOBINI-KRESAK. CBET 4400. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  10. Knight, M.M., Eisner, N., Schleicher, D.G., Thirouin, A. COMET 41P/TUTTLE-GIACOBINI-KRESAK. CBET 4377. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  11. Farnham, T.L., Kelley, M.S.P., Bodewits, D., Knight, M.M., Thirouin, A., Moskovitz, N. COMET 41P/TUTTLE-GIACOBINI-KRESAK. CBET 4375. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  12. Fitzsimmons, A., Knight, M. 2017. COMET P/2017 B1 = 2010 EY_90 (LEMMON). CBET 4349. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  13. Knight, M., Schleicher, D. 2016. COMET 252P/LINEAR. CBET 4271. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  14. Knight, M.M., Kelley, M.S.P., Protopapa, S. 2016. COMET P/2016 BA14 (PANSTARRS). CBET 4257. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  15. Knight, M. 2015. Comet C/2015 D1 (SOHO). CBET 4067. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  16. Knight, M., Skiff, B. 2014. Comet C/2013 A1 (Siding Spring). CBET 4004. [CBAT] (subscription required)
  17. Knight, M. 2013. Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). CBET 3731. [ADS]
  18. Lisse, C.M., Vervack, R.J., Weaver, H.A., Bauer, J.M., Fernandez, Y.R., Kelley, M.S.P., Knight, M.M., Hines, D., Li, J.-Y., Reach, W., Sitko, M.L., Yanamandra-Fisher, P.A. 2013. Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). CBET 3598. [ADS]
  19. Li, J.-Y., Weaver, H.A., Kelley, M.S., A'Hearn, M.F., Farnham, T.L., Knight, M., Mutchler, M.J., Lamy, P., Toth, I. 2013. Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON). CBET 3496. [ADS]
  20. Knight, M., Schleicher, D. 2010. Comet 103P/Hartley. IAU Circ. 9175. [ADS]
  21. Knight, M., Schleicher, D. 2010. Comet 103P/Hartley. IAU CBET 2512. [ADS]
  22. Knight, M., Schwieterman, E., Schleicher, D. 2010. Comet 103P/Hartley. IAU Circ. 9163. [ADS] [Also CBET 2418 -- subscription required].
  23. Knight, M.. 2010. Comet C/2010 H3 (SOHO). IAU Circ. 9138. [ADS] [Also CBET 2256]
  24. Knight, M. and Schleicher, D. 2009. Comet C/2007 N3 (Lulin). IAU Circ. 9025. [ADS]
  25. Knight, M. 2007. P/2007 R5 = 1999 R1 = 2003 R5 (SOHO). IAU Circ. 8872. [ADS]
Advising/Mentoring

Senior researchers

  1. Quanzhi Ye, University of Maryland research scientist (2019 - 2020) Supervised analysis of spectroscopy and imaging of asteroids/comets. Resulted in one refereed publication.
  2. Allison Bair, Lowell Observatory research assistant (2014 - 2018, 2023 - present) Supervised photometric reductions and analysis of sungrazing comets
  3. Samantha Christensen, Lowell Observatory research assistant (2011 - 2013) Supervised image processing and analysis of comets 10P/Tempel 2 and 103P/Hartley 2. Resulted in one refereed publication

Graduate students

  1. Carrie Holt, University of Maryland (2019 - 2023) Supervised data acquisition, photometric reductions, and analysis of asteroids and comets

Undergraduate students

  1. USNA SP589 (Trident Scholar): 2 students
  2. USNA SP495/496 (3 credit project): 3 students
  3. USNA SP483/484 (2 credit projects): 1 student
  4. USNA SP481/482 (1 credit projects): 12 students
  5. Nora Eisner, University of Maryland/University of Sheffield (2016 - 2017; Summer 2018) Supervised data acquisition, image processing, photometric reductions, and analysis of comets 96P/Machholz 1, 49P/Arend-Rigaux, and 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Zinner. Resulted in three refereed papers (two with student as first author) and one CBET; highly commended at 2017 Undergraduate Awards. Currently a Flatiron Research Fellow (postdoc).
  6. Anibal Quiroz Moreyra, University of Maryland (2017) Supervised data analysis of Near-Earth Asteroids
  7. Michaela Fendrock, Wellesley College (January 2013) Lightcurve analysis of comets 10P/Tempel 2 and 103P/Hartley 2
  8. Eddie Schwieterman, Florida Institute of Technology (summer 2009, 2010) Supervised photometric reductions, image processing, and analysis of comet 10P/Tempel 2; trained in optical ground-based observing. Resulted in two refereed publications. Currently an assistant professor at University of California Riverside.
  9. Jason Begun, University of Maryland (2009 - 2012) Supervised photometric reductions of sungrazing comets and maintenance of comet discovery database and website
Mission Involvement
  1. Comet Interceptor - Co-I, Observations Coordinator, Target Identification Team member (2018-2022); CoCa associate (2023-present)
  2. Double Asteroid Redirect Target (DART) - Co-I; member of the Observations and Proximity Imaging Working Groups; 2022-2023 Observations Co-Lead (2016-2023).
  3. Icarus [proposed ESA F-class mission] - Consortium member (2022) 
  4. Rosetta - Alice UV spectrograph team (2015-2019)
Successful Funding Proposals
  1. "Modernizing Our Understanding of the Activity of Oort Cloud Comets" PI: M. Knight. Role: PI. Funded by NASA Solar System Observations Program, 2022 (from ROSES 2021).
  2. "Discriminating the dynamical history of long-period comets using brightness behavior" PI: C. Holt. Role: PhD mentor. Funded by NASA Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology Program, 2022 (from ROSES 2021).
  3. "Tracking and characterization of NEOs with extremely low perihelia" PI: Q. Ye. Role: Co-I. Funded by NASA Yearly Opportunities for Research in Planetary Defense, 2021.
  4. "Exploring the STEREO dataset for undiscovered asteroids and comets" PI: Q. Ye. Role: Co-I. Funded by NASA Solar System Workings Program, 2021 (from ROSES 2020).
  5. "Tools for Next Generation Comet Studies: Comet Narrowband Filters and Analyses of Solar Observatory Data" PI: M. Knight. Role: PI. Commitment: 1.0 mo/yr for 3 yr. Funded by NASA Early Career Fellowship Program, 2020.
  6. "Mining the SOHO and STEREO archives: 20+ years of comet observations" PI: M. Knight. Role: PI. Commitment 3.0-3.6 mo/yr for 3 yr. Funded by NASA Solar System Workings Program, 2018 (from ROSES 2017).
  7. "Observational Characterization of Recurrently Active Main-Belt Comets and Near-Earth Main-Belt Comet Candidates". PI: H. Hsieh. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 1.0-1.5 mo/yr for 3 yr. Funded by NASA Solar System Observations Program, 2018.
  8. "First Contact: Making Sense of 1I/‘Oumuamua and Its Implications" PI: M. Knight. Role: Team Lead. Commitment: Two 1-week meetings for 12-14 scientists. Funded by International Space Science Institute (ISSI), Bern, Switzerland, 2018
  9. "The Nucleus of comet 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak" PI: T. Farnham. Role: Co-I. Commitment 0.5 mo/yr for 1 year. Funded by Space Telescope Science Institute, 2017.
  10. "Physical and Chemical Studies of Comet Comae and Nuclei" PI: D. Schleicher. Role: Co-I. Commitment 4.0 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Solar System Observations Program, 2017.
  11. "Characterizing the properties of near-Sun objects: the least understood class of PHOs" PI: M. Knight. Role: PI. Commitment: 3.6-4.8 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Near-Earth Object Observation Program, 2016.
  12. "MESSENGER's special delivery: Serendipitous comet science from the inner Solar System" PI: R. Vervack. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 2.0 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Discovery Data Analysis Program, 2015.
  13. "Observational Characterization of Active Main-Belt Comets and Main-Belt Comet Nuclei" PI: H. Hsieh. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 1.5 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Solar System Observations Program, 2015.
  14. "Quantitative Studies of Comet Comae and Nuclei" PI: D. Schleicher. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 6.0 mo/yr for 4 years. Funded by NASA Planetary Astronomy Program, 2013.
  15. "Modeling Jet Morphologies in the Comae of Comets 103P/Hartley 2 and Lulin (2007 N3)" PI: D. Schleicher. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 2.0 mo/yr for 3 yr. Funded by NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, 2013.
  16. "Imaging Polarimetry of the 2013 Comet ISON with ACS: A Study of the Heterogeneous Coma" PI: D. Hines. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 2.0 mo/yr for 1 year. Funded by Space Telescope Science Institute, 2013.
  17. "Hubble Imaging of the Nucleus of Comet ISON" PI: P. Lamy. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 1.0 mo/yr for 1 year. Funded by Space Telescope Science Institute, 2013.
  18. "The First Pre-Perihelion Nucleus Size Measurement of a Sungrazing Comet, C/2012 S1 (ISON)" PI: J.-Y. Li. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 0.5 mo/yr for 1 year. Funded by Space Telescope Science Institute, 2013.
  19. "The Science of Near-Sun Comets" PI: G. Jones. Role: Co-I. Commitment: support for two 1-week workshops. Funded by International Space Science Institute, 2013.
  20. "Investigations of Comets Observed by SOHO and STEREO" PI: M. M. Knight. Role: PI. Commitment: 4.8 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Outer Planets Research, 2012.
  21. "High Spatial Resolution Photometric Imaging of the Area Around the Nucleus of C/2011 W3 Lovejoy" PI: M. M. Knight. Role: PI. Commitment: 0.75 mo/yr for 1 year. Funded by Space Telescope Science Institute, 2012.
  22. "Finding Interior Earth Objects in STEREO data" PI: C.I. Fuentes. Role: Co-I. Commitment: 0.0 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Near Earth Object Observations Program, 2011.
  23. "Quantitative Analyses of Gas and Dust Coma Morphologies in Comets". PI: D.G. Schleicher. Role: Postdoc. Commitment: 6.6 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Planetary Astronomy Program, 2010.
  24. "Study of Sungrazing Comets Observed by SOHO and STEREO". PI: M.M. Knight. Role: PI. Commitment: 4 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Planetary Mission and Data Analysis Program, 2009.
  25. "Groundbased Cometary Studies". PI: D.G. Schleicher. Role: Postdoc. Commitment: 1.4 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Planetary Astronomy Program, 2008.
  26. "Studies of SOHO Comets". PI: M.F. A'Hearn. Role: Graduate Student. Commitment: 12 mo/yr for 3 years. Funded by NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, 2005.
Honors/Awards
  1. USNA Apgar Teaching Award, Physics Department nominee (2024)
  2. Best Reviewer Award, Icarus (2022)
  3. Distinguished Research Scientist Prize, Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland (2019)
  4. NASA group achievement award, Rosetta Alice Instrument Team (2017)
  5. Volunteer of the Month, Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, Baltimore, MD (2016)
  6. NASA Planetary Science Division, Early Career Fellow (2015)
  7. NASA group achievement award, MRO Comet Siding Spring Observing Team (2015)
  8. NASA Planetary Science Division citation, Coordinated Investigation of Comets (2014)
  9. Asteroid 25053 Matthewknight named in my honor (2014)
  10. Travel Grant, Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors Meeting (2014)
  11. NASA achievement award, Comet ISON Observing Campaign team (2013)
  12. Gold Prize, Spotlight on Graduate Research Competition, University of Maryland (2007)
  13. Travel Grant, 35th SAAS-Fee Advanced Course (2005)
  14. Center for Teaching Excellence Outstanding Teaching Assistant (2001, 2002)
  15. Department of Astronomy Outstanding Teaching Assistant (2001, 2002)
Invited Talks
  1. PERC International Symposium on Dust and Parent Bodies 2024, Tokyo, Japan (February 2024)
  2. UC Riverside, Riverside, CA (May 2023)
  3. UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (February 2022)
  4. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ (December 2017)
  5. University College London, London, UK (January 2017)
  6. Mullard Space Science Center, Surrey, UK (January 2017)
  7. Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK (March 2016)
  8. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ (April 2015)
  9. Universite de Liege, Liege, Belgium (April 2015)
  10. Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), Moscow, Russia (August 2014)
  11. Asteroids, Comets, Meteors Conference (ACM), Helsinki, Finland (July 2014)
  12. Purdue University, Lafayette, IN (April 2014)
  13. Max Planck, Gottingen, Germany (February 2014)
  14. European Space Agency, Noordwijk, Netherlands (February 2014)
  15. University of Toledo, Toledo, OH (February 2014)
  16. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ (November 2013)
  17. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Colloquium, Greenbelt, MD (October 2013)
  18. Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO (May 2013)
  19. Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Boulder (May 2013)
  20. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Heliophysics Science Division, Greenbelt, MD (April 2013)
  21. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD (November 2012)
  22. Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institute of Washington, Washington D.C. (January 2008, December 2011)
  23. Lowell Observatory, NAU Dept of Physics/Astronomy, US Naval Observatory Joint Colloquium, Flagstaff, AZ (April 2009, June 2013)
  24. NASA Challenger Center, Alexandria, VA (December 2003)
Professional Experience
  1. Referee for The Astronomical Journal, The Astrophysical Journal, ApJ Letters, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Icarus, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Nature, Nature Astronomy, Planetary Science Journal, Planetary and Space Science, Science [>30 manuscripts since 2008]
  2. Referee for Origins of the Expanding Universe (conference proceedings, 2012)
  3. Review panelist for NASA Discovery Mission, NASA Discovery Data Analysis (panel chair), NASA Planetary Atmospheres, NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF), Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science  and Technology (FINESST), Hubble Space Telescope, Kepler K2, PDS Small Bodies Node
  4. External reviewer for NASA Planetary Atmospheres, NASA Planetary Mission Data Analysis, NASA Outer Planets Research, NASA Origins, NASA Emerging Worlds, CCI International Time Programmes, CFHT CanTAC, Israeli Science Foundation, Hubble Space Telescope, LSST Enable Science, Las Cumbres Observatory
  5. Blue team reviewer for NASA Discovery Mission proposal
  6. Member of the jury, Ph.D. defense of Cyrielle Opitom (University of Liege, 2016).
  7. Mentor, College Park Scholars capstone project (2018) 
  8. Member of second year project committee, Harrison Agrusa (University of Maryland, 2019).
  9. Science Collaboration Mentor, LSSTC Catalyst Fellowship (2022-present)  
  10. Member, ZTF Solar System Science Working Group (2017-2019)
  11. Member, LSST Solar System Science Collaboration (2016-present)
  12. Reviewer for NASA Frontier Development Lab summer research projects (2017)
  13. Convener, International Space Science Institute (ISSI) International Workshop for "Exocomets: Bridging our understanding of minor bodies in solar and exoplanetary systems," Bern, Switzerland, July 22-26, 2024 [ISSI].
  14. Member, International Space Science Institute (ISSI) International Team for "The Life Cycle of Comets," Bern Switzerland, March 7-11, 2022 [ISSI].
  15. Lead, International Space Science Institute (ISSI) International Team for "First Contact: Making Sense of 1I/‘Oumuamua and Its Implications," Bern, Switzerland, November 26-30, 2018 & September 23-27, 2019 [ISSI]
  16. Member, International Space Science Institute (ISSI) International Team for "Main Belt Comets," Bern, Switzerland, January 9-13, 2017 & Feb 26-Mar 2, 2018. [ISSI]
  17. Member, International Space Science Institute (ISSI) International Team for "The Science of Near-Sun Comets," Bern, Switzerland, March 3-8, 2014 & March 23-27, 2015. [ISSI]
  18. Co-organizer of COSPAR 2018 session Observations of Planetary Objects with Non-Planetary Spacecraft
  19. Co-organizer of 4*P Coma Morphology Campaign, 2016-2019.
  20. Member of NASA's Comet ISON Observing Professional-Amateur collaboration team, 2013
  21. Member of NASA's Coordinated Investigations of Comets team, 2013-2014.
  22. James Web Space Telescope Comet Science Working Group. Lead: Chick Woodward (2014-2015)
  23. Co-organizer and journal editor of Royal Society Discussion Meeting: Cometary Science after Rosetta, June 2016. Accompanying journal table of contents.
  24. Co-organizer of Comet ISON Morphology Professional-Amateur collaboration, 2013
  25. Co-organizer of Comet ISON Post-Perihelion Tag-up Workshop, Laurel, MD, December 6, 2013
  26. Co-organizer of Comet ISON Observer's Workshop, Laurel, MD, August 1-2, 2013
  27. Convener of AGU Special Session Sun-Grazing Comets as Solar Probes: What Goes on Behind the Occulter Disk? Fall 2012
  28. Scientific Organizing Committee for Comet Lovejoy Workshop, Boulder, CO, March 21-22, 2012
  29. Co-organizer of 103P/Hartley 2 Rotation Workshop April 2011
  30. Session chair for AAS Division of Planetary Sciences meeting, Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, American Geophysical Union meeting
  31. Maintenance of Named Comets website for Committee on Small Body Nomenclature, IAU Division III, 2002-2008
Leadership Activities
  1. Scientific Organizing Committee, Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society annual meeting (2021) 
  2. Nominating Subcommittee, Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society (2019-2021). Chair (2021)
  3. Publications Policy Subcommittee, LSST Solar System Science Collaboration (2018)
  4. Member, Department of Astronomy Professional Track Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellow Mentoring Plan Committee, University of Maryland (2017-2018)
  5. Planetary Astronomy seminar organizer, UMD (2016-2019)
  6. Colloquium co-Organizer, Lowell Observatory (2010-2011)
  7. Website Working Group, Lowell Observatory (2009)
  8. Graduate student president, UMD Department of Astronomy (2000-2008)
  9. Captain, UMD Astronomy Department intramural soccer, basketball, and football teams (2001-2008)
  10. Student representative, UMD Astronomy Department Graduate Curriculum Review Committee (2003)
  11. Student representative, UMD Astronomy Department Chair Search Committee (2002)
Outreach Activities
  1. I regularly give public talks to audiences of all ages. Some recent examples are Astronomy on Tap Baltimore/DC, University of Maryland Observatory Open House Lecture, National Capital Astronomers, JHU-APL SRE Summer Intern Seminar Series, and Friends of Arlington's Planetarium [video of talk].
  2. Panelist, "How scientists use the LDT to study comets and asteroids", Lowell Observatory (March 2022) [Youtube]
  3. Conversation "The New Space Age and UFOs" panelist, UMD Art Gallery (October 2019) [Youtube]
  4. Visiting teacher, Baltimore ProjectASTRO (2011-2019)
  5. Judge, Lakeland Middle School (Baltimore, MD) science fair (2014-2017) [Twitter]
  6. Reddit "Ask Me Anything", [Comet ISON pre-perihelion][Comet ISON post-perihelion][Comet Siding Spring]
  7. Public program volunteer, Lowell Observary (2010-2011)
  8. Visiting teacher, Lowell Observatory-Navajo/Hopi outreach program (2009-2010)
  9. Mentor, Northern Arizona University REU program (2009)
  10. College Park Scholars Astronomy/Geology spring break trip (guide at Lowell) (2009, 2011)
  11. Maryland Day Volunteer, University of Maryland (2001-2007)
  12. Math/science substitute teacher, Henrico County, Virginia (2001)
  13. Graduate Assistant, University of Maryland Observatory (2000-2008)
  14. Teaching Assistant, ASTR 100 "Introduction to Astronomy", University of Maryland (Fall 2000-Spring 2002)
Professional Memberships
  1. International Astronomical Union
  2. Committee on Space Research
  3. American Astronomical Society
  4. Division for Planetary Sciences of American Astronomical Society
  5. Historical Astronomy Division of American Astronomical Society
Popular Articles
  1. Levine, S., Knight, M., Schleicher, D. 2020. "Lowell Discovery Telescope Resumes Science Observations and Comet ATLAS (C/2019 Y4)" Lowell Observatory Blog
  2. Knight, M. 2018. "Why I’m excited about what LSST will do for comet science" LSST Solar System Science Collaboration Blog
  3. Knight, M. 2015. "Addressing some common questions about Comet Lovejoy" Planetary Society
  4. Knight, M. 2014. "What is the chance that Earth could pass through the debris field of Comet ISON and get a meteor shower?" Astronomy Magazine, August 2014
  5. Knight, M. 2013. "The Science of Comets" Astronomy Magazine, November 2013 [cover story]
  6. Knight, M. 2013. Comet ISON Observing Campaign Blog "Why does ISON look green?" reposted on The Planetary Society [Guest blog]
  7. Knight, M. 2012. "Could we detect a comet or asteroid hitting the Sun?" Astronomy Magazine, December 2012.
  8. Knight, M. 2012. "Comet Lovejoy," Lowell Observer, June 2012.
  9. Knight, M. 2011. "The Survival of Comet Lovejoy (C/2011 W3), A Once in a Generation Event," Lowell Observatory Blog
  10. Knight, M. 2009. "Comet Lulin Zooming By Us," Lowell Observer, December 2009.
  11. Knight, M. 2009. Baseball Prospectus Idol competition. [Author Index],[#6],[#5],[#4],[#3],[#2],[#1]
  12. Knight, M.M. 2006. "Sungrazing Comets", Zenit (The Netherlands), February 2006 issue, 56-61.
Media Coverage

I now have an IMDB page!

  1. C/2023 P1 Nishimura (2023)
    --"Newly discovered Comet Nishimura will soon swing by Earth" (image credit) CNN, September 2023 

  2. DART (2022-2023)
    --Cover Story, Nature, April 2023
    --"Smacked asteroid's debris trail more than 6,000 miles long" AP News, October 2022
    --"SOAR Telescope Catches Dimorphos' Expanding, Comet-like Tail after DART Impact" NOIRLab press release, October 2022. Article adapted by many other website including Rolling Stone, CNET, Space.com
    --"New image reveals comet-like tail trailing DART target Dimorphos" Lowell Observatory Blog, October 2022

  3. Phaethon (2017, 2019, 2023)
    --"Asteroid's Comet-Like Tail is Note Made of Dust, Solar Observatories Reveal" NASA press release, April 2023
    --"Geminid Meteor Shower's Parent Debris Trail Spotted for 1st Time" Space.com, December 2019
    --"Revealing the Physics of the Sun with Parker Solar Probe" NASA press release, December 2019
    --"NRL-camera aboard NASA spacecraft confirms asteroid phenomenon" NRL press release, December 2019
    --"New science from NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission" AGU, December 2019
    --"The biggest meteor shower of the year peaks this week. Here’s how to watch." Washington Post, December 2017

  4. Interstellar Objects (1I/'Oumuamua, 2I/Borisov) (2017-2023)
    TV:
    --"What was the cigar-shaped object found in space?" CTV News (Canada), July 2019

    Radio/Podcast:
    --The World Tonight BBC World Service, July 2019 (starts at 35:48)
    --"Interstellar Visitor" Spacepod, July 2019

    Print:
    --"Mysterious Space Object 'Oumuamua not Alien, Scientists Say" Wall Street Journal, March 2023
    --"Interstellar Visitor ‘Oumuamua Could Be the Shattered Remnant of a Pluto-like Object" Gizmodo, March 2021
    --"‘Oumuamua Might Be a Giant Interstellar Hydrogen Iceberg" Wired, May 2020
    --"How the first visitor to our Solar System may have formed—no alien technology required" Science, April 2020
    --"New formation theory explains the mysterious interstellar object ‘Oumuamua" UCSC press release, April 2020
    --"What to Know About the Solar System’s Second Interstellar Visitor" US News & World Reports, December 2019
    --"How two intruders from interstellar space are upending astronomy" Nature, November, 2019
    --"Second-ever interstellar comet contains alien water" Nature, October 2019
    --"‘Oumuamua is Not an Alien Spacecraft" UMD Press release, July 2019. Article adapted by many other website including USA Today, CNN, Fox News, Space, Independent (UK), The Sun (UK), Daily Mail (UK), Sydney Morning Herald (AU), Vancouver Sun (Canada), CNET, Salon
    --"Scientists regret to inform you that this mystery space object is (probably) not aliens" Washington Post, July 2019
    --"Scientists conclude cigar-shaped interstellar object not an alien spaceship" Reuters, July 2019
    --"Interstellar object 'Oumuamua almost definitely not aliens, we think" New Scientist, July 2019
    --"Sorry, That Blunt-Shaped Interstellar Object Was Not an Alien Spaceship" Vice, July 2019
    --"Close but no alien cigar: mysterious interstellar object is not a spacecraft" The Times (UK), July 2019
    --"Investigation Into 'Oumuamua’s 'Alien' Status Reveals a Natural Explanation" Inverse, July 2019
    --"Interstellar Visitor Found to Be Unlike a Comet or an Asteroid" Quanta Magazine, October 2018
    --"‘Oumuamua, the first known interstellar visitor, is just a comet" PBS, June 2018
    --"Update on an Interstellar Asteroid" AAS Nova, January 2018
    --"Update on `Oumuamua, Our First Interstellar Object" Sky and Telescope, November 2017

  5. C/2022 E3 ZTF (2023)
    --"A green comet is passing by Earth. Here's how to see it" National Geographic, February 2023
    --"A green comet is visiting us from the edge of the solar system, and astronomers are thrilled" Popular Science, January 2023

  6. 96P/Machholz 1 (2023)
    --"We may have had an interstellar visitor for eons and astronomers are stumped" Vice.com, February 2023
    --"SOHO's latest view of 96P/Macholz leaves a lasting impression" SOHO Hotshots blog, February 2023

  7. Discovery Channel Telescope & Comet 10P/Tempel 2 (2013-2022)
    --"Dirty Snowballs and Vermin of the Sky: How Scientists use the LDT to Study Comets and Asteroids" Lowell Observatory Youtube Livestream, March 2022
    --"Arizona's oldest observatory has first results from its newest telescope" Arizona Daily Star (Tucson), October 2013
    --"Lowell's Discovery Channel Telescope marks milestone" Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff)

  8. C/2014 UN217 (2021)
    --"LCO Discovers Activity on Largest Comet Ever Found" Las Cumbres Observatory press release, July 2021

  9. P/2005 QN173 (2021)
    --"Is it an asteroid or comet? This strange solar system object is actually both." Space.com, October 2021
    --"Is new finding an asteroid or comet? It's both" PSI press release, October 2021

  10. C/2020 F3 NEOWISE  (2020)
    --"Hubble Snaps Close-Up of Celebrity Comet NEOWISE" NASA press release, August 2020

  11. TESS Observations of comets (46P/Wirtanen) (2019)
    --"NASA's planet-hunting satellite captures massive spontaneous outburst of a comet that ejected 2.2 MILLION pounds of material over a 20 day period" Daily Mail, December 2019
    --"NASA Planet-Hunting Telescope Spots Massive Burp from a Comet" Space.com, December 2019
    --"TESS saw the comet 46P/Wirtanen undergo an outburst after a debris impact" Bad Astronomy/Syfy, December 2019
    --"A Comet on TESS’s Vision" Astrobites.org, December 2019
    --"NASA’s Exoplanet-Hunting Mission Catches a Natural Comet Outburst in Unprecedented Detail" NASA press release, December 2019
    --"UMD Astronomers Catch a Natural Comet Outburst in Unprecedented Detail" UMD press release, December 2019

  12. 322P/SOHO 1 (2016, 2019)
    --The case of the Sun-diving asteroid that thinks it's a comet SyFy, September 2019
    --Identity-crisis comet may really be closest asteroid to the sun New Scientist, May 2016

  13. 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak (2017-2018)
    --"Swift Mission Catches a Comet Slowdown [Video]" NASA, January 2018
    --"Slow and growing slower" Nature Astronomy, January 2018
    --"NASA's newly renamed Swift Mission spies a comet slowdown" Phys.org, January 2018
    --"What the Hell Is Going on With This Comet?" Gizmodo, January 2018
    --"Astronomers spinning out over comet rotation" Cosmos, January 2018
    --"Spinning Comet Slows Down During Close Approach to Earth" UMD, January 2018
    --Spinning comet observed to rapidly slow down during close approach to Earth Lowell Observatory, October 2017 [Reposted on Phys.org]

  14. Planetary Science (general) (2013-2017)
    TV:
    --"Telescope Takeover" BBC Four's "The Sky at Night", February 2017 [streaming not available in U.S.]
    Print:
    --"Complete destruction of a comet" Spaceweather.com, August 2016
    --"A second minor planet may possess Saturn-like rings" MIT News, March 2015
    --"Why You'll Never Seen a Red Comet Like in Game of Thrones" The Universe Today, March 2013

  15. 4*P Coma Morphology Campaign (2016-2017)
    --Comet Campaign: Amateurs Wanted BSAS, February 2017
    --Astronomers Primed to Track Spectacular Comet Encounters Seeker.com, December 2016
    --Tucson scientists put out call for pictures of three near-earth objects Tucson News Now, November 2016
    --Worldwide pro-am help sought for comet trio study Astronomy Now, November 2016

  16. Sungrazing comets (general) (2011-2016)
    --"Some Sungrazing Comets May Be Different Beasts" Seeker.com, November 2016. Also reported at Space.com
    --"Arvoituksellinen pikkukomeettojen myrsky alkoi Jättiläinen tulossa?" [in Finnish], Tahdet ja avaruus (Stars and Space), Spring 2011
    --"Sundiving Comet Storm" NASA Science News, January 2011. Also picked up in various forms by other websites including National Geographic and Space.com

  17. 209P/LINEAR (2016)
    --A Comet in Disguise Lowell Observatory, October 2016

  18. P/2016 BA14 PanSTARRS & 252P/LINEAR (2016)
    -- "One comet to swerve closer to Earth than any other comet in centuries" USA Today, March 2016
    -- "Historic double comet flyby coming Monday and Tuesday: Here's what you need to know" Los Angeles Times, March 2016
    -- "When Is an Asteroid Not an Asteroid? When It’s a Chunk of a Comet." Slate.com Bad Astronomy, February 2016
    --Comet Flyby One of the Closest in Centuries Weather.com, February 2016

  19. C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy (2015)
    --"Picture of the Week: Comet Lovejoy" NPR's Science Friday, January 2015
    --"Comet Lovejoy in Flagstaff Sky Near Pleiades" Arizona Daily Sun, January 2015

  20. Rosetta & 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (2014-2015)
    --"Comet Observed from Earth" ESA Space in Images Gallery, August 2015
    --"Gemini Spots Rosetta on its Way Back to the Sun" Gemini Observatory Blog, August 2015
    --"Rosetta's Big Day in the Sun" ESA Rosetta Blog, August 2015
    --"Gemini Images Comet Hours Before Probe's Landing" Gemini Observatory press release, November 2014

  21. C/2012 S1 ISON (2013-2014)
    TV:
    --"Comet of the Century" BBC Horizons, December 2013
    --"Supercomet ISON 2013" Science Channel, December 2013
    --NHK Japan, December 2013
    Radio/podcast:
    --"Life and Legacy of ISON" Voice of America News, December 2013
    --BBC radio, November 29, 2013
    --"Newshour: Comet ISON grazes the Sun" BBC radio, November 28, 2013
    --"Comet ISON is coming!" The Naked Scientist podcast, October 2013 [apparently I'm "Matthew Bishop!"]
    Print:
    --"Death of a comet" Nature, February 2014
    --"What Happened to Comet ISON?" NASA Science News, December 2013
    --"Thanksgiving Comet Gets Gobbled Up" The Wall Street Journal, November 2013
    --"Scientists baffled by new picures of Comet ISON" CBS News, November 2013
    --"Close Encounters," Wired Magazine, November 2013, p. 110 [print edition]
    --"Komeetta ISON Jannitysta viimeiseen asti," Tahdet Ja Avaruus (Finland), November 2013, p. 68 [print edition]
    --"Latest Updates on Comet ISON" Sky and Telescope, November 2013
    --"Comet ISON puts on a show. Will it survive its solar flyby?" Christian Science Monitor, November 2013
    --"Comet from the Oort Cloud Careens toward the Sun" Scientific American, November 2013
    --"Oort cloud tosses astronomers a cometary curveball" Science News, October 2013
    --"Comet expected to survive close Sun encounter" Nature, October 2013
    --"ISON's chances for survival 50/50" Sky and Telescope, October 2013
    --"Comet ISON likely to survive solar plunge" Discovery News, October 2013
    --"New data: will Comet ISON survive its close perihelion passage?" Universe Today, October 2013
    --"Amateur Astronomers See Comet ISON" NASA Science News, September 2013
    --"Comet ISON: Sparkle or Fade?" Telescope.com, September 2013
    --"Mighty Comet ISON: Space and Earth Telescopes to Track 'Comet of the Century'" Space.com, August 2013. Also appeared on NBC news
    --"Rumors of Comet ISON 'Fizzling' May be Greatly Exaggerated" The Universe Today, July 2013
    --"Hubble Captures Comet ISON" NASA press release, April 2013
    --"NASA's Swift Sizes Up Comet ISON" NASA press release, March 2013
    --"Comet of the Century?" NASA Science News, January 2013 [video version]. Also picked up by a number of other websites.

  22. C/2011 L4 Pan-STARRS (2013)
    --"Sunset Comet" NASA Science News, March 2013 [video version].
    --"A possible Naked-Eye Comet in March" NASA Science News, March 2013 [video version]. Also picked up by a number of other websites.

  23. C/2011 N3 SOHO (2012)
    --"Solar Swan Song: NASA Satellite Witnesses a Comet's Plunge into the Sun" Scientific American, January 2012
    "Some Comets Like It Hot" NASA Science News, January 2012 [video version].

  24. C/2011 W3 Lovejoy (2011)
    --"Comet Lovejoy Plunges into the Sun and Survives" NASA Science News, December 2011

  25. EPOXI & 103P/Hartley 2 (2011)
    --"Hyperactive Hartley 2 Has a Split History" EPSC-DPS press release, October 2011. Also picked up by a number of other websites.

  26. C/2007 N3 Lulin (2009)
    --"Comet Lulin (2007 N3): a Detailed Look at a Corkscrew Morphology & the Fascinating 3-D Problem of Lulin's Rotation by Lowell Observatory" Lowell Observatory Blog, October 2009
    --"Seeing Lulin, Once in a Million Years" Discovery Channel, October 2009

  27. 10P/Tempel 2 (2009)
    --"Comet 10P/Tempel 2's Nucleus Rotation Determined to Within 10 Seconds" Lowell Observatory Blog, October 2009

  28. Deep Impact & 9P/Tempel 1 (2005)
    --"NASA probes comet for deeper understanding" Arizona Daily Wildcat, July 2005
    --"More than 40 Nights of Kitt Peak Observations of NASA's Deep Impact Comet to Culminate on July 3" SpaceRef.com, June 2005
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