Welcome to the COMPASSE Research Group at Cornell University

Our research focuses on Comparative Planetology and Solar System Exploration.

We specialize in the design, calibration, and operation of remote sensing instruments on robotic planetary spacecraft.

Scientifically, we are interested in the processes that shape planetary surfaces and atmospheres, with particular emphasis on Mars and outer solar system satellites.

Meet the Team

Alexander Hayes
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Hayes is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University and Director of the Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility (SPIF). His research interests generally focus on the quantitative analysis and modeling of planetary surfaces... read more

Featured News | View More

Two Years on Mars - Interview with Cornell Astronomer Alex Hayes

Perseverance rover with its Mastcam-Z instrument on Mars

Alex Hayes shares the highlights of scientific discoveries so far and ambitious plans for Perseverance's future.

Scientists depict Dragonfly landing site on Saturn moon Titan

Léa Bonnefoy and her colleagues assisted the future arrival by characterizing the equatorial, hummocky, knoll-like landscape by combining and analyzing all of the radar images of the area acquired by the Cassini spacecraft during its historic 13 year exploration of the Saturn system.

Layering, not liquid: Astronomers explain Mars’ watery reflections

Dan Lalich, research associate with Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, said that while such a possibility is exciting, he and other Cornell researchers argue the strong reflections are not necessarily evidence that the SPLD contains liquid water.

Cornell-led team on Mars Rover Perseverance camera ready to start exploring

Alex Hayes is a professor of astronomy at Cornell University and a co-investigator for Perseverance’s Mastcam-Z — a set of stereo cameras that will be the “eyes of the rover.”

Seven Hundred Leagues Beneath Titan’s Methane Seas

Artist's conception of Kraken Mare on Titan

What could be more exciting than flying a helicopter over the deserts of Mars? How about playing Captain Nemo on Saturn’s large, foggy moon Titan — plumbing the depths of a methane ocean, dodging hydrocarbon icebergs and exploring an ancient, frigid shoreline of organic goo a billion miles from the sun?

Hayes, Lunine to chair Planetary Science 10-year survey panels

Prof. Alex Hayes and Prof. Jonathan Lunine

Hayes, associate professor of astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, will chair the Panel on Ocean Worlds and Dwarf Planet Systems.