Denison: 'The Exploration of Europa'

The Ronneberg Lecture Series welcomes Louise Prockter, director of the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas, presenting “The Exploration of Europa.” Prockter’s research is focused on the geomorphology and structural geology of solar system bodies, with an emphasis on icy satellites. She is particularly interested in surface history and evolution as evidenced by volcanism and tectonism. Examples of her research include understanding how surface grooves on Eros indicate interior structure, identification of the youngest volcanism on Mercury, and the discovery of plate tectonics on Europa. Throughout her career, she has been involved in robotic planetary missions, including Galileo, NEAR, MESSENGER, and Europa Clipper.