HAYES RESEARCH GROUP

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.

 

Europa
Mars
Mars
Saturn
Titan

Meet the Team

Headshot of Alex Hayes

Alexander Hayes
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Hayes is the Jennifer and Albert Sohn 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

Oceans on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, likely have tiny waves Artist's conception of Kraken Mare on Titan
“I want to underline the difficulty that these experiments represented, because the experiment basically requires Cassini to point them at the surface of Titan and the reflection to be received back on Earth, one billion and a half kilometers away,” says study author Valerio Poggiali of Cornell's COMPASSE Research Group.
Don't get your hopes up for finding liquid water on Mars Perseverance rover with its Mastcam-Z instrument on Mars
According to Dan Lalich of the COMPASSE Research Group at Cornell, these findings strongly suggest that he and his colleagues were correct in suspecting radar interference.
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 Perseverance rover with its Mastcam-Z instrument on Mars
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.
Cornell-led team on Mars Rover Perseverance camera ready to start exploring Perseverance rover with its Mastcam-Z instrument on Mars
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.”

 


Research



 

Animation of a spinning globe - Jupiter's Moon, Europa

Europa Globe

Animation of a spinning globe - Mars

Mars Globe

Animation of a spinning globe - Saturn's Moon, Titan

Titan Globe