Research
Scientific research is carried out in the field of planetary science, with particular interest in the nature and evolution of the solid surfaces of Solar System objects. The investigations use remote sensing observations by spacecraft. Most of my research work is and has been based on the following space missions and scientific payload:
Mars Express / OMEGA and the investigations of chlorides and phyllosilicates
Dawn / FC and VIR at asteroid Vesta and the investigations of olivine-rich geologic materials
Dawn / FC and VIR at dwarf planet Ceres and the investigations of cryovolcanism
ExoMars / CLUPI for future microscale observations of the martian surface
Below some details of my research methods.
Near-Infrared mapping spectroscopy of planetary surfaces
This method enables us to characterize the mineralogy of planetary surfaces by analysing reflected light. Absorption bands of rock-forming minerals, like pyroxene, olivine, phyllosilicates and carbonates can be detected, quantified and mapped across a planetary object. This tell us about how rocks formed, for example by magmatic processes, volcanism or aqueous alteration. I have applied this method on Mars, the asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres.
Near-Infrared spectroscopy of analogues material
Near-Infrared measurements of analogue materials, such as meteorites, are performed in the laboratory under controlled conditions to provide a ground truth for measurements in space. A variety of aspects affecting the near-infrared properties of a material can be investigated. I have been studying the effects of observation geometry, grain size and mineralogy. I have collaborated in the analysis of samples under low temperature and vacuum conditions using goniometers and low-temperature reaction chambers coupled to spectrometers.
Planetary Geology
This field exploits optical imagery and 3-D topographic model. Geomorphology, morphometry and stratigraphic relationship give information on the type and time of processes that affected the surface, like impact cratering, tectonic, or fluvial. Time information can be gained with the so-called crater counting technique, or crater size-frequency distribution measurements, coupled with model and chronologies of impact history.