A5081729426- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Aeolian processes and effects
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Radioactivity and Radon Measurements
- Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
- Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
- Space exploration and regulation
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Rocket and propulsion systems research
- Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
- Spectroscopy and Laser Applications
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Particle Detector Development and Performance
Southwest Research Institute
2016-2025
Scotch Whisky Research Institute
2022-2023
Gleason (United States)
2023
NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
2023
University of Michigan
2023
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2023
NOAA National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service
2023
Planetary Science Institute
2022
Aeolis Research (United States)
2022
Agenzia Spaziale Italiana
2018
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Mars Science Laboratory’s Curiosity rover began making detailed measurements of cosmic ray and energetic particle radiation environment surface 7 August 2012. We report discuss absorbed dose equivalent from galactic rays solar particles martian for ~300 days observations during current maximum. These provide insight into hazards associated with a human mission to an anchor point which model subsurface environment, implications microbial survival...
Variable levels of methane in the martian atmosphere have eluded explanation partly because measurements are not repeatable time or location. We report situ at Gale crater made over a 5-year period by Tunable Laser Spectrometer on Curiosity rover. The background mean value 0.41 ± 0.16 parts per billion volume (ppbv) (95% confidence interval) and exhibit strong, seasonal variation (0.24 to 0.65 ppbv). This is greater than that predicted from either ultraviolet degradation impact-delivered...
Abstract NASA’s Dragonfly mission will send a rotorcraft lander to the surface of Titan in mid-2030s. Dragonfly's science themes include investigation Titan’s prebiotic chemistry, habitability, and potential chemical biosignatures from both water-based “life as we know it” (as might occur interior mantle ocean, cryovolcanic flows, and/or impact melt deposits) “life, but not that use liquid hydrocarbons solvent (within lakes, seas, aquifers). Consideration these solvents simultaneously led...
We investigate a new mechanism for producing oxidants, especially hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on Mars. Large-scale electrostatic fields generated by charged sand and dust in the martian devils storms, as well during normal saltation, can induce chemical changes near above surface of The most dramatic effect is found production H2O2 whose atmospheric abundance "vapor" phase exceed 200 times that produced photochemistry alone. With large electric fields, gets enough condensation to occur,...
Wind‐related features observed by the rover Spirit in Gusev crater, Mars, include patches of soil on surface, some which are organized into bed forms. Windblown grains dust (inferred to be <3 μm diameter), sands (up a few hundred and granules (>2 mm diameter). Microscopic Imager data show rounded relatively spherical, typical transported long distances wind. The interior forms exposed operations suggests infiltration among grains, indicating that these not currently experiencing...
In the first 100 Martian solar days (sols) of Mars Science Laboratory mission, Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) measured seasonally evolving diurnal cycles ultraviolet radiation, atmospheric pressure, air temperature, ground relative humidity, and wind within Gale Crater on Mars.As an introduction to several REMS-based articles in this issue, we provide overview design performance REMS sensors discuss our approach mitigating some difficulties encountered following landing,...
REMS‐P, the pressure measurement subsystem of Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover Environmental Measurement Station (REMS), is performing accurate observations Martian atmospheric surface pressure. It has demonstrated high data quality and good temporal coverage, carrying out first in situ equatorial regions. We describe REMS‐P initial results by MSL mission sol 100 including instrument performance illustrate some interpretations observed features. The show both expected new phenomena at...
Abstract We provide a preliminary interpretation of the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) pressure data from first 100 Martian solar days (sols) Mars Science Laboratory mission. The sensor is performing well and has revealed existence phenomena undetected by previous missions that include possible gravity waves excited evening downslope flows, relatively dust‐free convective vortices analogous in structure to dust devils, signatures indicative circulation induced Gale Crater its...
Abstract NASA’s Perseverance rover’s Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer is collecting data at Jezero crater, characterizing the physical processes in lowest layer of Martian atmosphere. Here we present measurements from instrument’s first 250 sols operation, revealing a spatially and temporally variable meteorology Jezero. We find that temperature four heights capture response atmospheric surface to multiple phenomena. observe transition stable night-time thermal inversion daytime, highly...
Abstract Large‐eddy simulations are performed using the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (a nonhydrostatic, mesoscale model) in order to obtain a detailed, three‐dimensional understanding of daytime atmospheric boundary layer. These microscale runs utilize full radiative‐transfer (including static dust profile) routines model and multi‐level, prognostic subsurface thermal model. Surface albedo, inertia, Coriolis parameter solar forcing homogeneously set values at Pathfinder landing...
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) made a successful landing at Gale crater early August 2012. MSL has an environmental instrument package called the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) as part of its scientific payload. REMS comprises instrumentation for observation atmospheric pressure, temperature air, ground temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity (REMS-H), UV measurements. We concentrate on describing REMS-H measurement performance initial observations during...
Context: The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) has been measuring radiation environment surface of since August 6th 2012. MSL-RAD is first instrument to provide detailed information about charged and neutral particle spectra dose rates Martian surface, one primary objectives RAD investigation help improve validate current transport models.
Abstract We describe preliminary results from the first 100 sols of ground temperature measurements along Mars Science Laboratory's traverse Bradbury Landing to Rocknest in Gale. The data show long‐term increases mean that are consistent with seasonal evolution. Deviations expected trends within diurnal cycle observed and may be attributed rover environmental effects. Fits measured amplitudes using a thermal model suggest surfaces have inertias range 265–375 J m −2 K −1 s −1/2 , which values...
Abstract The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD)—situated inside the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover—is first ever instrument to measure energetic particle radiation environment on surface of Mars. To fully understand influence this field in terms potential hazard life, a detailed knowledge its composition is necessary. Charged particles are major component environment, both galactic cosmic rays propagating Martian and secondary created by interactions these with atoms atmosphere...
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity, measures energetic charged and neutral particles radiation dose rate on surface of Mars. An important factor for determining biological impact Martian is specific contribution neutrons, with their deeper penetration depth ensuing high effectiveness. This very difficult to measure quantitatively, resulting in considerable uncertainties total dose. In contrast particles, (neutrons gamma rays)...
Abstract Potential deleterious health effects to astronauts induced by space radiation is one of the most important long-term risks for human missions, especially future planetary missions Mars which require a return-trip duration about 3 years with current propulsion technology. In preparation exploration, Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) was designed detect and analyze biologically hazardous energetic particle on Martian surface as part Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. RAD has measured...
The Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System is used to predict meteorological conditions that are likely be encountered by the Exploration Rovers at several proposed landing sites during entry, descent, and landing. Seven areas, five of which contain specific high‐priority ellipses, investigated: Hematite (two sites), Isidis Planitia, Elysium Planitia Valles Marineris, Gusev Crater. last two locations in regions extreme topography, local regional thermal circulations result equally...
Convective clouds on Titan may play an important role in climate dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and the overall volatile cycle. To study formation evolution of these clouds, we have developed Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (TRAMS). TRAMS is a three‐dimensional, time‐dependent, coupled fully compressible dynamic microphysical model capable simulating methane ethane Titan's atmosphere. In initial tests over two‐dimensional domain, warm bubble or random temperature perturbations trigger...