We employ a variety of perspectives and tools, including remote sensing, geophysical and terrestrial analog studies, and analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned to Earth to investigate planetary systems. Research topics vary widely, from the hydrologic and geologic history of Mars, the role of impact cratering in the structure and composition of planets and moons, interactions between planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres and their roles in planetary habitability, and cosmochemical studies of the early stages of the solar system. Through these studies we develop new theory and understanding of the chemical, physical, and geological evolution of planetary bodies across the solar system.
Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences
Planetary Geosciences
Exploring surface and interior processes of planets throughout the solar system to understand their formation and evolution.
Planetary Geosciences
Exploring surface and interior processes of planets throughout the solar system to understand their formation and evolution.
Faculty
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Sam Birch
Assistant Professor -
Gerrit Budde
Assistant Professor -
Ingrid Daubar
Associate Professor (Research) -
James W. Dottin III
Assistant Professor -
Alex Evans
Assistant Professor -
James Head
Professor (Research), Louis and Elizabeth Scherck Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Geological Sciences -
Yongsong Huang
Professor -
Christian Huber
Professor, Director of Graduate Studies -
Daniel Ibarra
Manning Assistant Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and Environment and Society -
Yan Liang
Professor -
Ralph Milliken
Associate Professor -
John Mustard
Professor -
Stephen Parman
Associate Professor -
Alberto Saal
Professor
Research Facilities & Resources
Planetary News
A new study led by a Brown researcher reveals the frequency of space rocks pummeling Mars is higher than previously estimated and detects two of the largest impacts ever seen by scientists on the Red Planet.
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The European Space Agency
LUMIO – New CubeSat Illuminating Lunar Impacts
LUMIO is a newly approved CubeSat mission to observe meteoroid impacts on the lunar farside. This week, the ESA approved the next stage of the Lunar Meteoroid Impacts Observer (LUMIO) CubeSat mission, meaning it could be ready for launch as early as 2027. In 2023, Postdoctoral Research Associate Aleksandra Sokołowska was selected to be a member of the LUMIO Science Team. She shared her excitement for the project, saying "Being a part of this mission in its early stages has been incredibly fun and rewarding because members of our Science Team come from many different countries, work collaboratively, and the areas of expertise are very diverse. This final mission approval means that the journey continues."
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A recent NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts award will provide $2 million over two years to continue technology development of the Mycotecture Off Planet project in preparation for a potential future demonstration mission. With support from the 2018 Stanford-Brown-RISD iGEM team, the project is developing technologies that could “grow” habitats on the Moon and beyond using fungi.
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Banner image produced by Lynced Torres, KVA Kennedy & Violich Architecture, Ltd. for the renovated Lincoln Field Building (2022).