星空传媒

Planetary Science and Astrobiology

Using astrophysics, remote sensing, geochemistry and astrobiology principles, researchers at the Department of Earth Science explore the habitability of planetary bodies, the effect of bolide impacts on planetary systems, and the potential for ancient and modern extraterrestrial life forms in the Solar System and elsewhere in the universe. We are also involved in a large number of space missions exploring Mars, the Moon, and small bodies in our solar system, notably UAE鈥檚 Lunar exploration program (ELM), and the UAE鈥檚 mission to explore the Asteroid Belt (EMA). Faculty Members currently involved in this field of research include Mohamed Ramy El-Maarry, Frantz Gerard Ossa Ossa, Aisha Al Suwaidi and Hamed Gamaleldien.

Example of ongoing research projects can be found below:

• UAE Space exploration missions (ELM, EMA); Mars, the Moon, comets and small bodies-related research (By Mohamed Ramy El-Maarry).
• Emergence and proliferation of terrestrial biosphere and coeval climate and atmospheric dynamics on Early Earth as important analogue for the exploration of extraterrestrial life forms and habitability of planetary bodies; The magnitude and expansion of oxygenic photosynthesis and biological productivity in Precambrian oceans (By Frantz Gerard Ossa Ossa).