A5008797134- Astro and Planetary Science
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
- Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Space exploration and regulation
- Technology Assessment and Management
- Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
- Service-Learning and Community Engagement
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- earthquake and tectonic studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Historical Astronomy and Related Studies
- Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils
- scientometrics and bibliometrics research
- Global Energy and Sustainability Research
- Geological formations and processes
- Health and Medical Research Impacts
- Career Development and Diversity
Goddard Space Flight Center
2016-2025
Smithsonian Institution
2017-2023
National Air and Space Museum
2018-2023
NASA Exoplanet Science Institute
2023
Planetary Science Institute
2016-2017
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
2013-2016
Johns Hopkins University
2011-2016
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
2014-2015
INTRODUCTION Classic volcanism prevalent on terrestrial planets and volatile-poor protoplanets, such as asteroid Vesta, is based silicate chemistry often expressed by volcanic edifices (unless erased impact bombardment). In ice-rich bodies with sufficiently warm interiors, cryovolcanism involving liquid brines can occur. Smooth plains some icy satellites of the outer solar system have been suggested possibly cryovolcanic in origin. However, evidence for has proven elusive. Ceres a...
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...
Abstract Geological investigations planned for the Europa Clipper mission will examine formation, evolution, and expression of geomorphic structures found on surface. Understanding geologic features, their any recent activity are key inputs in constraining Europa’s potential habitability. In addition to providing information about moon’s habitability, study is compelling itself. Here we provide a high-level, cross-instrument, cross-discipline overview within mission. fascinating collection...
Abstract Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, harbors a subsurface liquid water ocean; the prospect of this ocean being habitable motivates further exploration moon with upcoming NASA Europa Clipper mission. Key among mission goals is comprehensive assessment moon’s composition, which essential for assessing Europa’s habitability. Through powerful remote sensing and in situ investigations, will explore composition surface subsurface, its tenuous atmosphere, local space environment surrounding moon....
Ceres, the most water-rich body in inner solar system after Earth, has recently been recognized to have astrobiological importance. Chemical and physical measurements obtained by Dawn mission enabled quantification of key parameters, which helped constrain habitability system's only dwarf planet. The surface chemistry internal structure Ceres testify a protracted history reactions between liquid water, rock, likely organic compounds. We review clues on chemical composition, temperature,...
Abstract Before acquiring highest-resolution data of Ceres, questions remained about the emplacement mechanism and source Occator crater’s bright faculae. Here we report that brine effusion emplaced faculae in a brine-limited, impact-induced hydrothermal system. Impact-derived fracturing enabled brines to reach surface. The central faculae, Cerealia Pasola Facula, postdate pit, were primarily sourced from an melt chamber, with some contribution deeper, pre-existing reservoir. Vinalia...
Abstract We present a comprehensive global catalog of the geomorphological features with clear or potential relevance to subsurface ice identified during Dawn spacecraft's primary and first extended missions at Ceres. define eight broad feature classes describe analyses supporting their genetic links ice. These include relaxed craters ; central pit large domes small mounds lobate landslides ejecta pitted materials depressions scarps fractures , grooves channels . Features in all are widely...
Abstract The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft mission characterized collected a sample from asteroid (101955) Bennu. After the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule released to Earth’s surface in 2023 September, diverted into new orbit that encounters (99942) Apophis 2029, enabling second with same unique capabilities: OSIRIS–Apophis (APEX). On 2029 April 13, 340 m diameter will draw within ∼32,000 km of surface,...
Tidal interactions between planets or stars and the bodies that orbit them dissipate energy in their interiors. The dissipated heats interior a fraction of will be released as seismic energy. Here we formalize model to describe tidally-driven activity on planetary based tidal dissipation. To constrain parameters our use Moon, driven by dissipation from Earth-Moon interactions. We then apply this predict amount release largest events other moons Solar System exoplanetary bodies. find many...
Like the planets and moons in our solar system, surfaces of terrestrial exoplanets may be shaped by volcanic activity. The magnitudes rates activity on will intimately linked to their sizes internal heating can either facilitate or preclude existence habitable environments. In order place bounds potential for such activity, we estimate total 53 with masses radii up ∼8M⊕ 2R⊕, respectively, assuming that is drawn from both radiogenic tidal sources. We then compare these those system an attempt...
Abstract Triton is an important signpost in understanding the diverse populations of both ocean worlds and Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs). As a likely world, it unique by virtue its kidnapped history from Belt: large orbital inclination makes only world thought to be primarily heated obliquity tides. It volatile-rich due formation outer solar system unusual surface geology may product cryovolcanism. Observations New Horizons Cassini motivate re-examination data sets models, with value for...