Planet Twins and Martian Winds

In this episode we hear from planetary scientist Victoria Hartwick who works with the Mars Climate Modeling Center at NASA Ames. The conversation includes a discussion about Dr. Hartwick’s paper that explores whether wind turbines on Mars could be a viable source of energy for future humans on that planet, then ranges to how clouds form in the highest reaches of the atmosphere, how climate models work, and how planetary climates, including our own here on Earth, are affected by the space environment around them.

Quick Glossary

Exoplanet - Any planet outside of our solar system (i.e., a planet revolving around a star that is not our Sun)

Climate model - Computer programs that simulate weather patterns over time

Kelvin - The temperature scale used in exoplanetary science

Ablation - The breaking up of a meteor when it travels through Earth’s atmosphere

Noctilucent clouds - Pearlescent extremely high-altitude clouds visible at dawn and dusk. They are formed on meteoric smoke.