Mike
Chaffin
he / him / his
Roles
Research Scientist
Biography
I study the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, and other terrestrial planets, seeking to understand the limits on planetary habitability imposed by water loss to space and atmospheric oxidation. Using data from ESA's Mars Express spacecraft, I discovered that Mars hydrogen loss to space is seasonally variable, significantly updating scientific understanding of Martian water loss. With photochemical modeling, I explained these variations, introducing new channels for H escape that can oxidize Mars over time. I am a key member of the NASA's MAVEN and the Emirates Mars Mission science teams, and am actively expanding my work to constrain Venus hydrogen escape and produce new planetary ultraviolet instrumentation in anticipation of upcoming missions. In 2020, I was one of six scientists selected for the inaugural class of NASA Planetary Science Early Career Award recipients. I mentor several research students and postdocs at LASP--- contact me if you're interested in joining my group or collaborating!
Additional Information
Education
Specialties
Missions
Honors & Awards
Organizations & Associations
Publications
Professional Links
Reed College,
B.A.,
2008
University of Colorado,
M.S.,
2012
University of Colorado,
Ph.D.,
2015
Aeronomer, Atmospheric Chemist, Atmospheric Scientist, Instrument Scientist, Modeler, Planetary Scientist, Radiative Transfer Scientist, Remote Sensing Scientist, Spectroscopist
No data was found
CV
last updated 2022 Nov