Overview

Planetary Atmosphere

At the University of Rochester, we carry out high-performance supercomputer simulations of planetary atmosphere evolution. In particular, we study how a planet’s atmospheres can be evaporated by high-energy radiation from its host star. In addition, we study the coupled evolution of planets and civilizations asking if feedbacks like climate change may be generic.

Astronomy Simulations

Our research in this domain includes:

  • Soft astronomy simulations 
  • Tidal and spin evolution of planets and satellites 
  • Stability of multiple satellite and exoplanetary systems 
  • Resonant dynamics 
  • Evolution of circumstellar debris disks and planetary systems 
  • Laboratory studies of ricochets on asteroids and impact excited pulses into rubble pile asteroids

Magnetic Investigations

We conduct magnetic investigations of:

  • HED meteorites to learn about dynamo generation and the magmatic history of this dwarf planet 
  • The origin of pallasite meteorites 
  • Magnetization of carbonaceous meteorites as tracers of early Solar System events 
  • Earth from the Hadean to inner core growth to near about core chemical evolution, the history of magnetic shielding and its relation to Earth’s long-term habitability

Planetary Impact Simulations

We conduct planetary impact simulations to understand planet formation and evolution. Our research projects include:

  • Origin of the Earth and Moon
  • Evolution of planetary surfaces
  • Origin of Martian moons, exoplanets and exomoons
  • Magma ocean formation by impact
  • Effects of impacts on planetary magnetic fields

Planetary Objects Origins and Evolution

Our researchers investigate the origin and evolution of planetary objects in the solar and extra-solar systems. In particular, we conduct impact and hydrodynamic simulations on high-performance computers to understand how the Moon and other moons formed, as well as how these impacts shape chemistry and interior structures of terrestrial planets. We also investigate the effects of impacts on planetary surfaces as well as observable mineralogy on planetary surfaces.

Geochemical Observations

We seek to understand the interiors of the Earth, Moon, and other terrestrial planets in our solar system in regions inaccessible by drilling, direct observation, or spacecraft observation. To accomplish this, Rochester researchers combine geochemical investigations of natural samples with carefully designed laboratory experiments for context.

Our recent projects and interests include the:

  • Conditions of early Earth before four billion years ago and the implications for an emergent biosphere
  • Impact history of the inner solar system after accretion
  • Origin and evolution of the Moon’s first magmas

Planetary Science Research at Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE)

Planetary science research at LLE aims to elucidate the interplay between the thermophysical properties of minerals and a wide range of geophysical and geochemical phenomena. We leverage state of the art laser shock experiments with analytical and theoretical tools to investigate the internal states of astrophysical bodies. We are interested in questions such as:

  • What is the current composition, core sizes and magnetic field origin in Jupiter or Saturn?
  • Are rocky planets core thermally convective?
  • What are the phase relations of water/volatile fluids and how do they affect the rocky-icy layers within water worlds?