Understanding the thermal transfer of airless bodies in the solar system: Application to NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, OSIRIS-REx missions, Sol

Lead Research Organisation: University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics

Abstract

This project will investigate the effect of particles size and distribution in the transfer of thermal energy for airless bodies in our Solar System. In particular the student will work on a novel thermal infrared goniometer to measure the scattering properties of analogue regoliths and develop numerical models to help with the analysis of remote sensing data.

Will involve collaboration with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner radiometer team.

Aligns to the STFC 2015 "Roadmap for Solar System research" under themes 2 and 3, Specifically: theme 2, P1.3 "What are the internal, surface and atmospheric properties of Solar System bodies and what processes have affected their evolution?", P1.4 "How does solar radiation affect the formation and evolution of small bodies and comets?", P3.4 "Can we explore and exploit planetary resources?", theme 3 U2.2 "What are the processes that have created, modified, and produce activity in the interior, crusts and atmospheres of Solar System bodies?."

Publications

10 25 50

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
ST/N504233/1 01/10/2015 31/03/2021
2100172 Studentship ST/N504233/1 01/10/2018 31/03/2022 Rowan Curtis
ST/R505006/1 01/10/2017 30/09/2021
2100172 Studentship ST/R505006/1 01/10/2018 31/03/2022 Rowan Curtis
ST/S505638/1 01/10/2018 30/09/2022
2100172 Studentship ST/S505638/1 01/10/2018 31/03/2022 Rowan Curtis