Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch
The Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch studies the coupled Sun-Earth system and the terrestrial planets and icy satellites of our solar system. Our heliophysics portfolio includes instrumentation development, sounding rocket flight, and research focusing on energy transfer across physical scales throughout the solar atmosphere. Our planetary science portfolio includes research on the origin, composition, and evolution of terrestrial planetary bodies, focusing on geological, geophysical, and related models, experiments, and observations conducted in the field, laboratory, and via analysis of remotely sensed data from space-based missions.
Alexis Rodriguez (ST13) has been working on the project, In Martian Hydrogeology, a pivotal area of study that is the ancient ocean that dominated Mars’ northern plains circa 3.4 billion years ago. Comprehensive research has outlined the expanse of this …
Alphonse Sterling (ST13) is co-author on a paper describing the evolution of a coronal hole on the Sun over a 12-day period. The paper is entitled: “The short-term stability and tilting motion of a well-observed low-latitude solar coronal hole.” It …
Alphonse Sterling (ST13) interviewed with KWTX-TV Chief Meteorologist Brady Taylor in October, and that interview was aired prior to the annular eclipse on 10/14/23. The interview appears here: https://youtu.be/lyQp2ojGZnk. Sterling also gave a presentation on 10/15/23 – the day after …
TV Interview Given Ahead of October 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse Read More »
Dennis Gallagher (ST13) was contacted in the first week of December by a Ms. Isaacson, the Director of Programs for several elementary through high schools, and a Ms. Nunes, the AP Computer Science educator at North High in Des Moines …
Mentoring Iowa High School Students in the NASA Challenge Read More »
Alphonse Sterling (ST13) gave a presentation to the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Astronomy Club in Murfreesboro, TN, on 11/14/23. His presentation was entitled “Some Aspects of Solar Physics,” and he also discussed his career path in astronomy and entertained …
Presentation Given to Astronomy Club in Tennessee Read More »