The comparative workings of planetary interiors hold clues to their composition, evolution through time, and habitability. We seek understand the interior structure of the planets, moons and small bodies through theoretical modeling involving rheological, thermodynamic, and other material properties; and measurements that include radio science, seismic studies, radar, and heat flow. Group members are involved with Mars Express, InSight, and MRO. Members are also working to understand the geophysics of small bodies as part of the planned Psyche mission. In the outer solar system, we are working with Cassini data and participating in NASA’s Europa Clipper and ESA’s JUICE mission.
Areas of Research:
Comparative studies between the interior of the Earth and other terrestrial planets Ocean Worlds as habitable environments Asteroids as remnant planetary interiors Relationship between planetary interiors and generation of magnetic fields