Planetary and Exoplanetary Research

We seek to understand the physics, chemistry, and dynamics for the mesosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere of all planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond. We utilize non-hydrostatic global models, ground-based, and satellite-based observations to investigate these upper atmosphere regions, and the internal and external drivers for planetary atmospheres and surfaces.

Building on decades of expertise from studying Earth's upper atmosphere, we draw parallels to other planetary environments. Fundamental atmospheric processes, such as atmospheric tides, auroral phenomena, and solar wind interactions, often have analogs on other planets. By comparing these processes on planets that differ in size, magnetization, and proximity to the Sun, we aim to uncover general principles that may apply to a wide range of planetary atmospheres, including exoplanets, where understanding atmospheric evolution and habitability is a key goal.

Members of the 675 Lab actively participate in key planetary missions, such as NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission, where they investigate phenomena such as the generation of auroras at Mars and the erosion of the Martian atmosphere by the solar wind.