Finding subsurface ice on Mars and the moon could enable habitats, travel and further science<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAli Bramson is accelerating new methods for finding subsurface ice pockets on the moon and Mars using orbital scans and, more recently, a fleet of ground-based radars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being able to reliably locate ice pockets would benefit research into potential space habitats, relieve payloads from having to carry water, and provide a valuable element of rocket fuel for return trips of further space exploration. Beyond travel and habitation, subsurface ice also is a compelling target for astrobiology, climatology and geology research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bramson\u2019s research is funded through NASA\u2019s Mars Data Analysis, Lunar Data Analysis and Solar System Workings programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ali Bramson<\/a> | Bramson Research Group<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nLearn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCloudy skies = clear science: Atmospheric scientist studies clouds\u2019 causes and effects<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/johnson-makingclouds.gif?ver=1724251913\" "\\"\\"")
Atmospheric scientist and cloud expert Alexandria Johnson creates clouds in her lab to study atmospheric phenomena on Earth and in faraway skies. (Purdue University photo\/Kelsey Lefever)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlexandria Johnson\u2019s expertise in cloud physics<\/a> provides vital information to many fields, from the way microplastics are affecting weather patterns to the study of faraway exoplanets.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter the most powerful telescopes have reached across the universe, sometimes Johnson\u2019s ability to parse an exoplanet\u2019s own densely clouded sky is the best way to see what\u2019s happening on the farthest of these celestial bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we want to understand these enshrouded exoplanets, we need to understand the clouds. That understanding gives us insights into the atmospheric chemistry at work, atmospheric circulations and the climate of these exoplanets,\u201d Johnson says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alexandria Johnson<\/a> | Johnson Cloud Lab<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cloudy skies = clear science: Atmospheric scientist studies clouds\u2019 causes and effects<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAtmospheric scientist and cloud expert Alexandria Johnson creates clouds in her lab to study atmospheric phenomena on Earth and in faraway skies. (Purdue University photo\/Kelsey Lefever)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlexandria Johnson\u2019s expertise in cloud physics<\/a> provides vital information to many fields, from the way microplastics are affecting weather patterns to the study of faraway exoplanets.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter the most powerful telescopes have reached across the universe, sometimes Johnson\u2019s ability to parse an exoplanet\u2019s own densely clouded sky is the best way to see what\u2019s happening on the farthest of these celestial bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf we want to understand these enshrouded exoplanets, we need to understand the clouds. That understanding gives us insights into the atmospheric chemistry at work, atmospheric circulations and the climate of these exoplanets,\u201d Johnson says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alexandria Johnson<\/a> | Johnson Cloud Lab<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alexandria Johnson\u2019s expertise in cloud physics<\/a> provides vital information to many fields, from the way microplastics are affecting weather patterns to the study of faraway exoplanets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the most powerful telescopes have reached across the universe, sometimes Johnson\u2019s ability to parse an exoplanet\u2019s own densely clouded sky is the best way to see what\u2019s happening on the farthest of these celestial bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf we want to understand these enshrouded exoplanets, we need to understand the clouds. That understanding gives us insights into the atmospheric chemistry at work, atmospheric circulations and the climate of these exoplanets,\u201d Johnson says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alexandria Johnson<\/a> | Johnson Cloud Lab<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n