A5005054776- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Marine and environmental studies
- Geological formations and processes
- Astronomical and nuclear sciences
- Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping
- Geological Modeling and Analysis
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Geophysical Methods and Applications
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
- Spacecraft Design and Technology
- earthquake and tectonic studies
- Remote Sensing and LiDAR Applications
- Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
- 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Aeolian processes and effects
Goddard Space Flight Center
2014-2024
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2022
William & Mary
2018
Williams (United States)
2018
Deleted Institution
2017
Planetary Science Institute
2011-2014
Arizona State University
2014
National Air and Space Museum
2008-2012
Smithsonian Institution
2007-2011
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
2005-2006
A New Dawn Since 17 July 2011, NASA's spacecraft has been orbiting the asteroid Vesta—the second most massive and third largest in solar system (see cover). Russell et al. (p. 684 ) use Dawn's observations to confirm that Vesta is a small differentiated planetary body with an inner core, represents surviving proto-planet from earliest epoch of formation; also confirmed as source howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) meteorites. Jaumann 687 report on asteroid's overall geometry topography, based...
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) is systematically imaging impact melt deposits in and around lunar craters at meter sub‐meter scales. These images reveal that melts, although morphologically similar to terrestrial lava flows of size, exhibit distinctive features (e.g., erosional channels). Although generated a single rapid event, the post‐impact mobility morphology melts surprisingly complex. We present evidence for multi‐stage influx into flow lobes crater floor ponds. Our...
We investigated the origin of unusual pitted terrain on asteroid Vesta, revealed in images from Dawn spacecraft. Pitted is characterized by irregular rimless depressions found and around several impact craters, with a distinct morphology not observed other airless bodies. Similar associated numerous martian where pits are thought to form through degassing volatile-bearing material heated impact. Vesta may have formed similar manner, which indicates that portions surface contain relatively...
Images of Vesta taken by the Dawn spacecraft reveal large‐scale linear structural features on surface asteroid. We evaluate morphology structures to determine what processes caused them form and implications this has for history as a planetary body. The dimensions shape these suggest that they are graben similar those observed terrestrial planets, not fractures or grooves such found smaller asteroids. As graben, their vertical displacement versus length relationship could be evaluated...
The volcanic domes, cones, sinuous rilles, and pyroclastic deposits of the Marius Hills region Moon (~13.4°N, 304.6°E) represent a significant episode magmatic activity at or near lunar surface that is still poorly understood. Comparisons between LROC NAC block populations, Mini‐RF data, Diviner‐derived rock abundances confirm blocky lava flows comprise domes Hills. 8 µm features measured by Diviner indicate are not rich in silica significantly different than surrounding mare materials....
Ina is an enigmatic volcanic feature on the Moon known for its irregularly shaped mounds, origin of which has been debated since Apollo Missions. Three main units are observed floor depression (2.9 km across, ≤64 m deep) located at summit a low‐shield volcano: mounds up to 20 tall, lower unit 1 5 in relief that surrounds and blocky material. Analyses Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera images topography show features morphologically similar terrestrial inflated lava flows. Comparison these...
We have developed and tested an advanced EVA communications computing system to increase astronaut self-reliance safety, reducing dependence on continuous monitoring advising from mission control Earth. This system, called Mobile Agents (MA), is voice controlled provides information verbally the astronauts through programs personal agents. The partly automates role of CapCom in Apollo-including managing navigation, scheduling, equipment deployment, telemetry, health tracking, scientific data...
Channeled lava flows, hundreds of kilometers long, are common on the lower flanks Tharsis Montes Mars. Our analysis a 690‐km‐long flow along southwest perimeter Ascraeus Mons shows that it was emplaced low local slopes (<0.3°), with deep channel (∼20 m), and at high effusion rates (19,000–29,000 m 3 /s) calculated from Graetz number. These parameters similar to conditions needed yield rapidly terrestrial flows >100 km in length, but maximum necessary Earth essentially minimum for...
Field research target regions within two basaltic geologic provinces are described as Earth analogs to Mars.Regions the eastern Snake River Plain of Idaho and Big Island Hawai'i, United States, that represent present-day early Mars, respectively, were evaluated on basis settings, rock lithology geochemistry, alteration, climate.Each these factors provides rationale for selection specific targets field in five analog regions: (1) Craters (2) Highway lava flows at Moon National Monument...
Many channelized lava flows on the plains of Mars have substantial embanking margins and levees inferred to been stationary while central channel was active. Levee formation can be attributed two end‐member processes during emplacement: construction passage flow front growth along entire length it is It shown here that amount deposited by alone limited. Estimates levee volume for many exceed this limit must formed continued after front. Experimental studies analogous laboratory also indicate...
Abstract Remote sensing surveys of the Moon and Mars show evidence lava tubes, which are potential safe havens for human crews their equipment. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can be used to map tubes because void/rock interface at tube ceilings floors strongly reflects pulses. We have tested capacity GPR sense geometry Lava Beds National Monument in California, USA. detailed light detection ranging (LiDAR) data presented two tubes: Skull Cave, with a few meters overburden, diameter ~10–20 m,...
Abstract Basaltic lava flows are common on the surface of Earth and other terrestrial bodies. However, inflation—including a combination initially rapid molten core thickening gradual crustal growth—must be accounted for to enable accurate reconstructions eruption parameters from observed flow morphologies. The shape an inflated can change significantly over time. Therefore, incorrectly attributing flow's final thickness its dimensions in fully state will yield excessively high rates,...
Human explorers on the surface of Mars will have access to a far wider array scientific tools than previous crewed planetary exploration missions, but not every tool be compatible with restrictions this exploration. Spectrometers flyby, orbital, and landed missions are currently used determine composition mineralogy geological materials various types sizes, from small fragments celestial bodies in solar system. Handheld spectrometers that capable situ analyses already for Earth; however,...