Dust Dynamics

We are studying the dynamics of dust particles in various solar system environments, including near the lunar surface, asteroid surface, ring systems, and in interplanetary space. This can include motion due to impacts and other disturbances or the motion of charged dust particles in plasma and electric fields.

We use both modeling and laboratory experiments to explore the behavior of dust in these environments to better understand the distribution of interplanetary dust, regolith features on the Moon and asteroids, and the potential hazards of charged dust for future planetary surface missions.

Research Sites

Center for Microgravity Research