EAPS News

03-02-2026

Mars sand ridge preserves record of powerful ancient winds

A 6.5-foot-high sand ridge on Mars has emerged as one of the clearest signs that powerful, steady winds once shaped the planet’s surface for long stretches of time. EAPS PhD student Noah Martin documented how the crest lines trace a prolonged north-south airflow across the region.

02-27-2026

Science and innovation shine at Homecroft Elementary, cultivating curiosity in science

WRTV — Science was on display this week at Perry Township's Homecroft Elementary. Students in second through fifth grade participated in the Science Fair and Invention Convention. EAPS's Robin Tanamachi was quoted in the article.

02-24-2026

Purdue named a top producer of Fulbright scholars for fifth straight year

For the fifth year in a row, Purdue University has secured a spot on the list of top-producing institutions of Fulbright U.S. scholars, reinforcing the university’s role as a global leader in research and scholarly excellence. EAPS Professor Qianlai Zhuang earned a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2025-26.

02-20-2026

Atmospheric pollution caused by space junk could be a huge problem

NewScientist — After a Falcon 9 rocket stage burned up in the atmosphere, vaporised lithium and other metals drifted over Europe. This growing type of pollution could destroy ozone and form climate-warming clouds. EAPS's Dan Cziczo was quoted in the article.

02-16-2026

As Earth slowed its spin, oceans may have tipped the balance for life

Earth has not always rotated at the same speed it does today. Over the roughly 4 billion years that life has existed on the planet, Earth's rotation has gradually slowed, lengthening days and quietly reshaping the oceans. New research from Purdue University suggests that this planetary slowdown may have played an important role in making Earth's oceans more hospitable for life

02-13-2026

Why Are Thunderstorms More Intense Over Land Than Ocean?

EOS — A new perspective on convective instability sheds light on the factors controlling intensity in the rising motions that produce precipitation, and occasionally thunder and lightning, over land. EAPS Professor Dan Chavas was part of the research group.