Alexander Hayes head shot

Alexander Hayes

Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Cornell University

Alexander Hayes is an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University and the Director of the Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility. He uses spacecraft-based remote sensing to study the properties of planetary surfaces, their interactions with the interior, and if present, atmosphere. Recently, he has focused on studying the coupling of surface, subsurface, and atmospheric processes on Titan and Mars. Hayes uses the Cassini RADAR to study and model surface morphologies on icy satellites, including the distribution and evolution of Titan's hydrocarbon lakes and seas. Using data from the Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, he is also interested studying the depositional and diagenetic history of early Mars.

Latest Planetary Radio Appearances

Sailing the Canyons of Titan

Steep canyons on Saturn's moon Titan are filled with liquid methane. That's the discovery just announced by an international team of Cassini scientists, including Alex Hayes.