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
Senior Visiting Scientist, CCAPS
Jennifer and Albert Sohn Professor, Director, Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Director of the Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility
Professor Emeritus
Professor, Director of the Carl Sagan Institute
Benson Jay Simon ’59 MBA ’62 and Mary Ellen Simon MA ’63 Professor
David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences Emeritus
