3 Questions: Looking to Artemis I for a return to the moon
As NASA launches Artemis I, MIT experts weigh in on the importance of the mission to future space exploration.
Department
Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
Expanding horizons through astronomy and art
Whether spending late nights at the observatory or working on animated films, senior Skylar Larsen is reaching for the stars.
Ocean microbes get their diet through a surprising mix of sources, study finds
Up to one-third of the carbon consumed by Prochlorococcus may come from sources other than photosynthesis.
Geophysicist Leigh Royden looks at Earth from the top down
The MIT professor combines geophysics and geology to understand what’s happening beneath the crust.
Coordinating climate and air-quality policies to improve public health
New MIT tool pinpoints policy combinations that maximize health benefits.
Method for decoding asteroid interiors could help aim asteroid-deflecting missions
Astronomers have found a way to determine an asteroid’s interior structure based on how its spin changes during a close encounter with Earth.
Documentary featuring Professor Sara Seager wins Emmy Award
“The Hunt for Planet B” follows Seager and others on their search for extraterrestrial life; three other nominated films feature MIT affiliates.
Small eddies play a big role in feeding ocean microbes
Swirling waters replenish nutrients in open ocean, a new study finds, and could mitigate some climate change effects.
Saturn’s rings and tilt could be the product of an ancient, missing moon
A “grazing encounter” may have smashed the moon to bits to form Saturn’s rings, a new study suggests.
Study: Astronomers risk misinterpreting planetary signals in JWST data
Refining current opacity models will be key to unearthing details of exoplanet properties — and signs of life — in data from the powerful new telescope.
Divorce is more common in albatross couples with shy males, study finds
In a long-studied population of wandering albatrosses, females are less likely to stick with a shy mate.
Using seismology for groundwater management
New research showcases a pilot application using seismometers to monitor groundwater aquifers in California.
Porosity of the moon’s crust reveals bombardment history
The moon sustained twice as many impacts as can be seen on its surface, scientists find.
Kerry Emanuel: A climate scientist and meteorologist in the eye of the storm
With over 200 published papers, multiple books, and countless media appearances, Emanuel’s 41 years at MIT have been marked by influential research into hurricane formation and climate change outreach.
MIT-WHOI Joint Program announces new leadership
Ed Boyle to step down as director; Mick Follows will take over the directorship in July.