Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences has a great diversity of programs and intersecting disciplines, with faculty and students studying in fields such as Tectonics, Geophysics, Atmospheric Dynamics and Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biogeochemistry, Climate Change, Severe Weather, Planetary Sciences, Astrobiology, Data Science, and many other areas. We are committed to strategic initiatives in Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Interconnections between the Earth’s interior and surface, climate and sustainability, planetary exploration and spacecraft missions, and the development of emerging fields of study.

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Mysterious Mars Rock Leaves Scientists Searching For Origin Clues

Forbes — The Perseverance rover is currently exploring the rim of the Jezero Crater in an area called Witch Hazel Hill. The rover took some time in April to study a spot where lighter and darker rock outcrops meet. That’s where the unusual rock came into focus. Margaret Deahn, a PhD student in EAPS, is featured in the Forbes article.

NASA finds mysterious skull-shaped feature on Mars — where star-gazers say it doesn’t belong

New York Post — NASA’s Mars rover has spotted something out of this world — a mysterious, skull-shaped elevation – sitting on a slope where star-gazers say it doesn’t belong. The mysterious rock – dubbed “Skull Hill” was discovered April 11 by the Perseverance rover while it was driving down a ridge called Witch Hazel Hill. Margaret Deahn, a Ph.D. student at Purdue University working with NASA was quoted in the article.

Purdue’s Mars team digs up 'Hogwallow' rocks that could hold life’s oldest secrets

Scientists from Purdue University have identified a region on Mars that may provide clues about the red planet's potential to have once supported life. Their research focuses on "Hogwallow Flats," a distinct area within the Jezero Crater explored by NASA's Perseverance rover. The study, led by Purdue Postdoctoral Researcher Adrian Broz, has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research.

Purdue professor reflects on NASA Challenger disaster, shares role in space shuttle's creation

The Purdue Exponent — Purdue professor Andrew "Andy" Freed is widely regarded as one of the most popular faculty members on campus, thanks to the high enrollment in his courses like EAPS 105 and EAPS 106. But while many are aware of his connection to space studies at Purdue, few know that he played a significant role in the creation of the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger — and its aftermath.

‘This Is Purdue’ earns Webby Award nomination for live astronaut panel during total solar eclipse; voting runs through Thursday

Over 50,000 guests. Fifty states. Thirty-five countries. Five continents. Five Purdue astronauts. And now one Webby Award nomination for Best Live Podcast Recording for the “This Is Purdue” live astronaut panel recorded during the Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Vote here!

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