FIELD JOURNAL

Studying Mars and Space Physics

by Gwyn Smith
October 31, 2000

So, if you've visited my page in the past years, you're probably wondering, "Where's Gwyn!" She hasn't done a journal in over two years, what a slacker!

Well, I haven't done a journal because I've been at school. In September 1998, I was granted a JSC Fellowship to go to school full-time at Rice University to work on an advanced degree in space physics. After two years of study at Rice University, I've finished the course work required and have returned to work at JSC. I am continuing my studies and research on a part-time schedule. I hope to have my master's degree next year.

My research is very interesting. There is a spacecraft orbiting Mars called the Mars Global Surveyor. On this spacecraft is an instrument that can measure the magnetic field as the spacecraft circles the planet. With this data, I am developing a model of the magnetic field of Mars from the surface to about 1000 kilometers up. (A kilometer is equal to 1.6 miles.) This model will be linked to another model that describes the interaction between the interplanetary magnetic field and the Martian ionosphere and magnetic field.

Now, that's probably a handful for you to understand. You can go to http://mgs-mager.gsfc.nasa.gov/Kids/kidteach.html for more information about magnetism and the Mars Global Surveyor.