Planetary Analogs
About
Hamilton Research Group
Dr. Hamilton's Research Group investigates a range of geologic surface processes to better understand the history of terrestrial bodies in the Solar System. These processes include volcanic, tectonic, glacial, fluvial, aeolian, and impact cratering activity, which we explore through a combination of field-based observations, remote sensing, geophysical modeling, and machine learning.
Seismometer to Investigate Ice and Ocean Structure (SIIOS)
The icy moons of Europa and Enceladus are thought to have subsurface oceans in contact with mineral-rich interiors, likely providing the ingredients needed for life as we know it. Their crustal thickness and structure is therefore one of the most important and controversial topics in astrobiology. In a future lander-based spacecraft investigation, seismic measurements will be a key geophysical tool for obtaining this critical knowledge. The Seismometer to Investigate Ice and Ocean Structure (SIIOS) field-tests flight-ready technologies and develops the analytical methods necessary to make a seismic study of Europa and Enceladus a reality.
Rover–Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network (RAVEN)
A team of scientists led by LPL’s Christopher Hamilton, an associate professor, are gearing up to send drones on exploration missions across a vast lava field in Iceland to test a next-generation Mars exploration concept. Hamilton is the principal investigator on a project that has been awarded a $3.1 million NASA grant to develop a new concept combining rovers and unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones, to explore regions of the red planet that have been previously inaccessible.
Terrestrial And Planetary Investigations and Reconnaissance (TAPIR)
TAPIR research themes include debris-covered glaciers, terrestrial glaciers and ice sheets, Mars polar studies, and geophysical instrumentation techniques.
Faculty
Planetary Analogs Faculty
Erik Asphaug
Professor
Jessica Barnes
Assistant Professor
Veronica Bray
Associate Research Professor
Shane Byrne
Professor
Lynn Carter
Associate Professor, University Distinguished Scholar
Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina
Assistant Professor, Deputy Principal Investigator, OSIRIS-REx, Principal Investigator, OSIRIS-APEX
Virginia Gulick
Research Professor
Christopher Hamilton
Associate Professor
Jack Holt
Professor, EDO Director
Angela Marusiak
Assistant Research Professor
Alfred McEwen
Regents Professor
Other Researchers
Planetary Analogs Researchers
Brett Carr
Researcher/Scientist
Rishi Chandra
PTYS Graduate Student
Claire Cook
PTYS Graduate Student
Samuel Crossley
Researcher/Scientist
Nathan Hadland
PTYS Graduate Student
Mackenzie Mills
PTYS Graduate Student
Samantha Moruzzi
PTYS Graduate Student
Michael Phillips
Researcher/Scientist
Sarah Sutton
Photogrammetry Program Lead, HiRISE, Researcher/Scientist
Zoe Wilbur
PTYS Graduate Student