Dr. Lynn Carter Planetary Scientist Center for Earth and Planetary Studies National Air and Space Museum carterl@si.edu

I joined the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies in 2004, after completing my PhD in Astronomy from Cornell University and a B.S degree in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Illinois. My primary research interest is planetary geology, particularly the composition and structure of the surface and sub-surface of larger rocky planets (like Venus and Mars) and asteroids. I'm also interested in large outer planet satellites and have worked on both Io and Titan.

For my PhD dissertation, I used the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico to create radar maps of the surface of Venus in order to study the physical properties of impact crater deposits and volcanoes. I am currently using similar ground-based radar observations to search for the presence of regolith material on asteroids - regolith affects the thermal properties of the asteroid which can lead to long term orbit changes. I'm also working on lunar science projects with collaborators from Cornell and the Smithsonian, including a project to study the spatial extent and physical properties of lunar pyroclastic (volcanic ash) deposits. As a Participating Scientist on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's SHARAD (SHAllow RADar) instrument team, I am studying the Medusae Fossae region of Mars as well as helping with targeting and data processing.

Dr. Carter's CV (PDF)