Dr. Brain studies the atmospheres and plasma environments of rocky planets, including Mars, Venus, and exoplanets. Interaction between these planets and their host stars alter their atmospheres over time. By studying atmospheric processes that occur today we can unravel how planetary atmospheres evolve and why their atmospheres can be different from our own. A goal of this research is determining which combinations of characteristics of planets and stars lead to habitable atmospheres. Dr. Brain uses both spacecraft data and computer models in his research. He is the Principal Investigator of a NASA-funded team science center working to determine the influence of atmospheric escape on planetary habitability. He chairs a Science Advisory Board for the NASA MAVEN mission studying the escape of the Martian atmosphere and is a Science Team Member (and former Deputy Science Lead) for the Emirates Mars Mission. He is a team lead for NASA's Nexus for Exoplanet System Science, and is involved in three spacecraft missions in different stages of proposal and development.
ASTR 1000 - The Solar System
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1010, but without lab. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030.
ASTR 1010 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2022
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1000, but with additional lab. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 1030 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 1
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2022
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Earth, Sun, moon, planets and origin of life. Requires nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Like ASTR 1000 and 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level, including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 3720 - Planets and Their Atmospheres
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
Explores the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan. Examines evolution of the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars; and the escape of gases from the Galilean satellites, Titan and Mars; the orbital characteristics of moons, planets, and comets. Uses recent results of space exploration. Elective for APS major and minor. Same as ATOC 3720.
ASTR 3750 - Planets, Moons, and Rings
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020
Approaches the physics of planets, emphasizing their surfaces, satellites, and rings. Topics include formation and evolution of planetary surfaces, history of the terrestrial planets, and dynamics of planetary rings. This course and ASTR 3720 may be taken for credit in any order. Elective for APS major and minor.
ASTR 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and GEOL 5835.
ATOC 3720 - Planets and Their Atmospheres
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2020 / Spring 2023
Explores the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan. Examines evolution of the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars; and the escape of gases from the Galilean satellites, Titan and Mars; the orbital characteristics of moons, planets, and comets. Uses recent results of space exploration. Elective for APS major and minor. Same as ASTR 3720.
FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2019
Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
GEOL 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2020
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and ASTR 5835.
