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Desmond King-Hele Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Life and Work of Desmond King-Hele

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The Life and Work of Desmond King-Hele Study Guide

Biographical Overview

Desmond George King-Hele passed away on December 25, 2019.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that Desmond George King-Hele died on December 25, 2019.

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Desmond King-Hele completed his higher education at the University of Oxford.

Answer: False

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele pursued his higher education at Trinity College, Cambridge, not the University of Oxford.

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In 2019, King-Hele received an Honorary Master of Science degree.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2019, King-Hele received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Derby, not an Honorary Master of Science.

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Desmond King-Hele married Elizabeth Smith in 1954.

Answer: False

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele married Marie Newman in 1954, not Elizabeth Smith.

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King-Hele and his wife had three children.

Answer: False

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele and his wife, Marie Newman, had two daughters.

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Who was Desmond George King-Hele?

Answer: A British physicist, poet, and author known for bridging science and arts.

Explanation: Desmond George King-Hele was a distinguished British physicist, poet, and author, recognized for his interdisciplinary contributions that bridged scientific and artistic domains.

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Where did Desmond King-Hele pursue his university studies?

Answer: Trinity College, Cambridge

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele pursued his university studies at Trinity College, Cambridge.

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Who was Marie Newman in relation to Desmond King-Hele?

Answer: His wife

Explanation: Marie Newman was the wife of Desmond King-Hele, whom he married in 1954.

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Which of the following statements best describes Desmond George King-Hele's professional profile?

Answer: A physicist known for bridging science and the arts, with significant contributions to space geodesy.

Explanation: Desmond George King-Hele's professional profile is best described as a physicist renowned for bridging science and the arts, who also made significant contributions to the field of space geodesy.

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Career at the Royal Aircraft Establishment

In 1957, King-Hele and Doreen Gilmour proposed using the Blue Streak missile and Black Knight rocket for satellite launches.

Answer: True

Explanation: A report co-authored by King-Hele and Doreen Gilmour in 1957 indeed proposed the utilization of the Blue Streak missile and Black Knight rocket for satellite launch purposes.

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King-Hele began his career at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in 1948 and retired in 1988.

Answer: True

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele commenced his tenure at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in 1948 and concluded his career there in 1988.

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The primary goal of the 1957 report was to design a new type of rocket engine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary goal of the 1957 report co-authored by King-Hele and Gilmour was to propose the use of existing missiles and rockets (Blue Streak and Black Knight) for satellite launches, not to design new engines.

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Desmond King-Hele worked at the Royal Aircraft Establishment for exactly 30 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele worked at the Royal Aircraft Establishment for 40 years, from 1948 to 1988, not 30 years.

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The Royal Aircraft Establishment was where King-Hele conducted his primary scientific research for 40 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele conducted his primary scientific research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment for a duration of 40 years.

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The Blue Streak missile and Black Knight rocket were significant because they were proposed as satellite launchers in King-Hele's early work.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Blue Streak missile and Black Knight rocket held significance in King-Hele's early career as they were proposed in a 1957 report as potential satellite launchers.

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What was a primary focus of King-Hele's research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE)?

Answer: Studying Earth's gravity and upper atmosphere using satellite orbit determination.

Explanation: A primary focus of King-Hele's research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment involved the study of Earth's gravity and upper atmosphere, achieved through the method of satellite orbit determination.

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In what year did King-Hele and Doreen Gilmour propose using the Blue Streak missile and Black Knight rocket as satellite launchers?

Answer: 1957

Explanation: The proposal to utilize the Blue Streak missile and Black Knight rocket for satellite launches was made by King-Hele and Doreen Gilmour in the year 1957.

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What was the duration of King-Hele's employment at the Royal Aircraft Establishment?

Answer: 40 years

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele was employed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment for a period of 40 years, from 1948 to 1988.

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How long did King-Hele work at the Royal Aircraft Establishment?

Answer: 40 years

Explanation: King-Hele's tenure at the Royal Aircraft Establishment spanned 40 years, from 1948 to 1988.

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Scientific Contributions: Space Geodesy and Earth Science

His primary research focus at the Royal Aircraft Establishment was on aerodynamics and jet engine design.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele's primary research focus at the Royal Aircraft Establishment was on satellite orbit determination to study Earth's gravity and upper atmosphere, not aerodynamics or jet engine design.

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Satellite orbit determination involves analyzing observational data to predict a satellite's trajectory.

Answer: True

Explanation: The process of satellite orbit determination fundamentally involves the analysis of observational data to ascertain and predict the trajectory of satellites.

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King-Hele is recognized as a pioneer in the field of space geodesy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele is widely acknowledged as a foundational figure and pioneer in the scientific discipline of space geodesy.

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King-Hele determined that Earth's north and south polar radii differed by approximately 10 meters.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele's refined calculations indicated that the difference between Earth's north and south polar radii was approximately 45 meters, not 10 meters.

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The Earth's 'pear shape' refers to the difference in radius between the north and south poles.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'pear shape' in the context of Earth's geophysics refers to the asymmetry caused by the difference in radius between the north and south poles, a finding King-Hele's work helped quantify.

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King-Hele accurately predicted in 1973 that the Skylab space station would re-enter Earth's atmosphere in 1979.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1973, King-Hele made an accurate prediction that the Skylab space station would re-enter Earth's atmosphere during the year 1979.

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Space geodesy is primarily concerned with the study of distant nebulae and star formation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Space geodesy is primarily concerned with measuring and understanding the Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotational characteristics, not distant nebulae or star formation.

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King-Hele's research at RAE used satellite orbits to investigate Earth's upper atmosphere and gravity field.

Answer: True

Explanation: A significant aspect of King-Hele's research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment involved utilizing satellite orbit analysis to investigate the characteristics of Earth's upper atmosphere and its gravity field.

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The term 'geophysical application' implies King-Hele's work provided insights into Earth's physical properties.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'geophysical application' directly implies that King-Hele's research, particularly his analysis of satellite orbits, yielded valuable insights into Earth's physical properties and phenomena.

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The primary aims of space geodesy include mapping Earth's gravity field and rotational characteristics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Key objectives within the field of space geodesy encompass the precise mapping of Earth's gravity field and the detailed analysis of its rotational characteristics.

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King-Hele's refined estimates showed Earth's north and south polar radii were nearly identical.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele's refined estimates demonstrated a notable difference of 45 meters between Earth's north and south polar radii, indicating they were not nearly identical.

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King-Hele's analysis of satellite orbits provided insights into Earth's gravitational field and shape.

Answer: True

Explanation: Through meticulous analysis of satellite orbits, King-Hele's research yielded significant insights into the complexities of Earth's gravitational field and its precise shape.

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Satellite geodesy is the scientific discipline most closely associated with King-Hele's research at RAE.

Answer: True

Explanation: The scientific discipline most closely aligned with Desmond King-Hele's research activities at the Royal Aircraft Establishment is satellite geodesy.

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King-Hele's prediction about Skylab's re-entry proved to be incorrect.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele's 1973 prediction regarding the Skylab space station's re-entry year (1979) was accurate.

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What specific aspect of Earth's shape did King-Hele refine through his work in satellite geodesy?

Answer: The difference between the north and south polar radii.

Explanation: Through his work in satellite geodesy, King-Hele refined the understanding and measurement of the difference between Earth's north and south polar radii.

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What did King-Hele accurately predict in 1973 regarding the Skylab space station?

Answer: Its re-entry year into Earth's atmosphere.

Explanation: In 1973, King-Hele accurately predicted the year of the Skylab space station's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, which was 1979.

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What does the field of space geodesy, in which King-Hele was a pioneer, primarily aim to achieve?

Answer: Measuring and understanding Earth's shape and gravity field.

Explanation: The field of space geodesy, in which King-Hele was a pioneer, primarily aims to measure and understand Earth's shape and gravity field using satellite technology.

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According to King-Hele's refined estimates, what was the approximate difference between Earth's north and south polar radii?

Answer: 45 meters

Explanation: King-Hele's refined estimates indicated that the approximate difference between Earth's north and south polar radii was 45 meters.

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What specific aspects of the Earth did King-Hele investigate using satellite orbits at RAE?

Answer: The gravity field and the upper atmosphere.

Explanation: Using satellite orbits at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, King-Hele investigated specific aspects of the Earth, namely its gravity field and upper atmosphere.

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What does the term 'geophysical application' imply regarding King-Hele's work and awards?

Answer: His study of satellite orbits yielded insights into Earth's physical characteristics.

Explanation: The term 'geophysical application' implies that King-Hele's research, particularly his analysis of satellite orbits, yielded practical insights into Earth's physical characteristics and processes.

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What was the outcome of King-Hele's 1973 prediction concerning the Skylab space station?

Answer: It was accurate, predicting the correct re-entry year.

Explanation: King-Hele's 1973 prediction regarding the Skylab space station's re-entry year proved to be accurate, correctly forecasting its re-entry in 1979.

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Literary and Biographical Scholarship

Desmond King-Hele was primarily known for his work in theoretical mathematics and abstract algebra.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information indicates that Desmond King-Hele was primarily known for his work in space geodesy, satellite orbit determination, and as a biographer and poet, rather than theoretical mathematics or abstract algebra.

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King-Hele's writings often explored the connections between Erasmus Darwin and contemporary scientists of his era.

Answer: False

Explanation: While King-Hele wrote extensively on Erasmus Darwin, his primary focus was on the connections between Darwin and the Romantic poets, rather than contemporary scientists.

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The first publication listed for King-Hele was 'Theory of Satellite Orbits in an Atmosphere' (1964).

Answer: False

Explanation: The first publication listed for King-Hele is 'Satellites and Scientific Research' (1962), not 'Theory of Satellite Orbits in an Atmosphere' (1964).

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King-Hele authored only one book specifically on the subject of Erasmus Darwin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information indicates that King-Hele authored multiple books on Erasmus Darwin, including biographies and analyses of his connections to Romantic poets.

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King-Hele's 1992 article in the Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London was titled 'Shelley and Science'.

Answer: True

Explanation: His 1992 article published in the Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London was indeed titled 'Shelley and Science'.

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King-Hele established an intellectual link between Erasmus Darwin and poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.

Answer: True

Explanation: King-Hele's scholarly work established significant intellectual connections between Erasmus Darwin and prominent Romantic poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge.

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King-Hele published a biography titled 'Erasmus Darwin' in 1963.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, Desmond King-Hele published a biography titled 'Erasmus Darwin' in the year 1963.

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King-Hele's 1986 work focused on the relationship between Erasmus Darwin and the Victorian poets.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele's 1986 work, 'Erasmus Darwin and the Romantic Poets,' focused on the connection between Darwin and the Romantic poets, not the Victorian poets.

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In 1999, King-Hele published 'Erasmus Darwin: A Life of Unequalled Achievement'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The comprehensive biography of Erasmus Darwin by King-Hele, titled 'Erasmus Darwin: A Life of Unequalled Achievement,' was published in 1999.

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King-Hele's 2014 publication was titled 'Erasmus Darwin and Evolution'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The publication by King-Hele in 2014 was indeed titled 'Erasmus Darwin and Evolution'.

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Besides scientific works, King-Hele also authored novels and screenplays.

Answer: False

Explanation: While King-Hele authored scientific works, biographies, and poetry, the provided information does not indicate that he wrote novels or screenplays.

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The connection King-Hele explored between Erasmus Darwin and Romantic poets was purely coincidental.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele's exploration of the connection between Erasmus Darwin and the Romantic poets was based on established intellectual and thematic links, not mere coincidence.

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King-Hele extensively explored the connection between Erasmus Darwin and which group of poets?

Answer: Romantic poets

Explanation: King-Hele's scholarly work extensively explored the intellectual connections between Erasmus Darwin and the Romantic poets.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a book authored by Desmond King-Hele?

Answer: 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions'

Explanation: While King-Hele authored works such as 'Satellites and Scientific Research,' 'Erasmus Darwin: A Life of Unequalled Achievement,' and 'Observing Earth Satellites,' 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions' is not listed among his publications.

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What was the primary focus of King-Hele's 1986 book, 'Erasmus Darwin and the Romantic Poets'?

Answer: Exploring the intellectual connections between Darwin and Romantic poets.

Explanation: The primary focus of King-Hele's 1986 book was to explore the intellectual connections between Erasmus Darwin and the prominent Romantic poets of his era.

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Which of the following poets was NOT mentioned in the source as being linked to Erasmus Darwin in King-Hele's writings?

Answer: Keats

Explanation: While Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Shelley were mentioned in relation to Erasmus Darwin in King-Hele's writings, John Keats was not explicitly cited in this context within the provided source material.

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What was the title of King-Hele's first listed publication?

Answer: 'Satellites and Scientific Research'

Explanation: The first publication listed for Desmond King-Hele is 'Satellites and Scientific Research,' released in 1962.

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What literary genre, besides scientific writing and biography, did King-Hele practice?

Answer: Poetry

Explanation: In addition to his scientific writings and biographical works, Desmond King-Hele also practiced the literary genre of poetry.

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What was the title of King-Hele's comprehensive biography of Erasmus Darwin published in 1999?

Answer: 'Erasmus Darwin: A Life of Unequalled Achievement'

Explanation: The comprehensive biography of Erasmus Darwin published by King-Hele in 1999 was titled 'Erasmus Darwin: A Life of Unequalled Achievement'.

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Honors and Recognition

In 1971, King-Hele received the Copley Medal from the Royal Society.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1971, King-Hele received the Eddington Medal and the Chree medal and prize, not the Copley Medal, from the Royal Society.

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Being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) is a minor recognition within the scientific community.

Answer: False

Explanation: Election as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) is a highly prestigious honor, signifying outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

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Desmond King-Hele was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1966.

Answer: True

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele achieved the distinction of being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in March 1966.

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King-Hele delivered the Wilkins Lecture in 1974.

Answer: False

Explanation: King-Hele delivered the Bakerian Lecture in 1974. The Wilkins Lecture was delivered in 1997.

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King-Hele delivered the Bakerian lecture in 1974.

Answer: True

Explanation: Desmond King-Hele delivered the prestigious Bakerian Lecture at the Royal Society in 1974.

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In 1971, King-Hele received the Eddington Medal for his work on satellite orbits applied to geophysics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Eddington Medal was indeed awarded to King-Hele in 1971 for his significant contributions concerning the geophysical applications derived from satellite orbit studies.

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The Bakerian Lecture is an annual lecture delivered at the Royal Society focusing on physical sciences.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bakerian Lecture is indeed a prestigious annual lecture presented at the Royal Society, typically focusing on significant advancements in the physical sciences.

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Election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1966 recognized King-Hele's minor contributions to science.

Answer: False

Explanation: Election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1966 recognized King-Hele's substantial and significant contributions to science, not minor ones.

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Which institution awarded King-Hele an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2019?

Answer: The University of Derby

Explanation: In 2019, King-Hele was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Derby.

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What prestigious honor was King-Hele elected to in March 1966?

Answer: Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)

Explanation: In March 1966, Desmond King-Hele was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

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What was the significance of the Eddington Medal awarded to King-Hele in 1971?

Answer: It honored his work on satellite orbits applied to geophysics.

Explanation: The Eddington Medal awarded to King-Hele in 1971 specifically honored his significant contributions related to the geophysical applications derived from the study of satellite orbits.

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Which distinguished lecture did King-Hele deliver at the Royal Society in 1974?

Answer: The Bakerian Lecture

Explanation: In 1974, Desmond King-Hele delivered the distinguished Bakerian Lecture at the Royal Society.

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What does election as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) signify?

Answer: Recognition of outstanding contributions to science.

Explanation: Election as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) signifies formal recognition of an individual's outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

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What award did King-Hele receive in 1971 in addition to the Eddington Medal?

Answer: The Chree medal and prize

Explanation: In addition to the Eddington Medal, King-Hele also received the Chree medal and prize in 1971.

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