Solar System Exploration

Cornell researchers are exploring the solar system through studies of planetary surfaces, atmospheres, oceans, and climates using spacecraft observations, laboratory experiments, remote sensing, and next-generation instrumentation.

Our work combines visible, infrared, and radar remote sensing to investigate worlds including Mars, Titan, Europa, Saturn, and other potentially habitable ocean worlds. Current research examines Titan’s methane lakes and weather systems, the geologic and climatic evolution of Mars, planetary mineralogy through visible and infrared spectroscopy, and the dynamics of icy moons and planetary rings. Cornell scientists have leading roles in NASA missions such as Cassini-Huygens, the Mars Exploration Rovers, Curiosity, Perseverance, Europa Clipper, and Dragonfly, while helping to develop advanced imaging systems and instruments that will shape the next generation of robotic exploration

Related people

Image of Don Banfield
Don Banfield

Senior Visiting Scientist, CCAPS

Image of Alexander Hayes
Alexander Hayes

Jennifer and Albert Sohn Professor, Director, Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Director of the Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility

Image of Terry Herter
Terry Herter

Professor Emeritus

Image of Lisa Kaltenegger
Lisa Kaltenegger

Professor, Director of the Carl Sagan Institute

Image of Daniel Lalich
Daniel Lalich

Senior Research Associate, CCAPS

Image of Rosaly M. C.  Lopes
Rosaly M. C. Lopes

Adjunct Professor of Astronomy

Image of Jonathan Lunine
Jonathan Lunine

David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences Emeritus

Image of Michael Mellon
Michael Mellon

Principal Research Scientist CCAPS

Image of Valerio Poggiali
Valerio Poggiali

Senior Research Associate, CCAPS

Image of Matt Pritchard
Matt Pritchard

Professor, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

Image of Julie Rathbun
Julie Rathbun

Senior Research Associate CCAPS

Image of Britney Schmidt
Britney Schmidt

Professor of Astronomy & Earth and Atmospheric Sciences - On Leave

All research areas

Astrobiology    Cosmic Origins and Evolution    Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics    Exoplanets    Solar System Exploration   
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