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 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

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Io’s Volcanoes are Windows into its Hot Interior

PJuno captured this image of Io during Perijove 57

“It’s easier to study tidal heating on a volcanic world rather than peering through a kilometers-thick ice shell that’s keeping the heat covered up.” said lead author Pettine, Cornell University.

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

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.