Alex Longo
Education
2022 B.S. in Geological Sciences, UNC-Chapel Hill
Research Interests
| I am fortunate to have been involved in multiple planetary science projects. Broadly, my research revolves around a range of topics which support and inform upcoming NASA missions to the terrestrial planets (the Moon, Mars, and Venus). To me, the question of how we explore other worlds is just as important as what we learn when we get there. I am currently collaborating with Dr. Xiaoming Liu on a comprehensive experimental study of weathering on the surface of Venus to support NASA’s VERITAS mission. |
Research and Activities
| – Weathering of rocks on the surface of Venus – Landing site selection and characterization, including for the Perseverance Mars rover and the Artemis program – Human and robotic mission planning and design – Lunar isotope geochemistry – Public outreach and education |
Selected Publications
Van Kranendonk, M. J. and Longo, A. Z. “A Revised Litho-Stratigraphic and Structural Scheme for Columbia Hills in Gusev Crater, Mars: Implications for Future Exploration.” Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, in preparation.
Longo, A. Z. and Damer, B. (2020). “Factoring Origins of Life Hypotheses into the Search for Life in the Solar System and Beyond.” Life, 10 (5).
Longo, A. Z. (2023). “Landing on a Peak of Eternal Light: Artemis III Science Targets on Malapert Massif.” Candidate Artemis III Landing Sites: A Lunar Surface Science Workshop, Abstract 2005.
Longo, A. Z. and Liu, X. (2023). “Objectives for an Experimental Study of Weathering on the Surface of Venus.” 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Abstract 2318.
Longo, A. Z. and Mills, R. D. (2023). “Isotopic Evidence for Impact-Driven Lunar Mantle Overturn.” 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Abstract 2391.