
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

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