Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences Colloquium

Results from the Emirates Mars Mission: Up, Down, and All Around

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Abstract: The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) began its science phase on May 23, 2021, and has been making major contributions to the exploration of Mars' atmosphere on a global scale. From its weather-satellite-like orbit with a period of 55 hours, the Hope Probe uses its infrared, visible, and ultraviolet remote sensing instruments to measure the characteristics of the atmosphere extending from the surface all the way to the edge of space.

Frontiers in Astronomy Education: From Astro 101 to Astronomy Majors

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Abstract: The past 20 years have seen significant advancements in the teaching and learning in college-level Astronomy, with a particular focus on the introductory general education course (hereafter Astro 101).  In recent years collaborators with the Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) have undertaken a theoretical approach to develop a new generation of instructional strategies.  Beyond advancements in the teaching of Astro 101, this work has bridged to the teaching of Astronomy Majors courses.

A Merging of Worlds: Combining the Planetary and Exoplanetary Sciences

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Abstract:  Underpinning planetary science is a deep history of observation and, more recently, robotic exploration within the Solar System, from which models of planetary processes have been constructed. Concurrently, thousands of planets have been discovered outside our Solar System that exhibit enormous diversity, and their large numbers provide a statistical opportunity to place our Solar System within the broader context of planetary structure, atmospheres, architectures, formation, and evolution.