<p>From the first human footprints on the Moon to the tracks of Curiosity on Mars, Brown geologists have been making crucial contributions to the international exploration of the solar system. The Apollo astronauts were trained in lunar geology by Brown faculty. Since then, Brown scientists have been involved in missions and discoveries on the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, asteroids and the moons of other worlds.</p>
Discovery and exploration on the Moon
- Water discovered on Moon’s surface (data from Brown-led Moon Mineralogy Mapper)
- Moon’s interior contains Earth-like proportion of water
- Water inside Moon, Earth have common origin
- NASA-engineered collision spills Moon secrets
- Ebb and Flow map Moon’s gravity
Mars and the Curiosity Mission
- Curiosity’s spectacular side-trip
- Next for Mars rover: Mapping a mountain
- Antarctic pond an analog for water on present-day Mars?
- Valley networks suggest ancient snowfall on Mars
- Ridges on Mars suggest ancient flowing water
Mercury
- Brown researchers play key roles in MESSENGER mission
- Epic volcanic activity flooded Mercury’s north polar region
- Volcanic activity shaped Mercury after all
Charting the future of planetary exploration