Lowell Observatory: Volcanism Across the Solar System – A View Inside Planets and Moons

Evidence of volcanism is present on all of the rocky bodies of the solar system. On Earth, the locations of most volcanism are determined by plate tectonics, but no other body in the solar system has good evidence of past or present plate tectonics. This talk will explore the volcanoes of Mars, Jupiter’s moon Io, and Venus, and how their interior processes make volcanism at the surface happen.

Dr. Joe Schools is a research scientist at the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. His research focuses on the study of planetary interiors through computer modeling of physical processes. He is particularly interested in the tectonic-magmatic processes of Venus and Jupiter’s moon Io. He earned a BS in Earth and Planetary Science (with a concentration in Planetary Science) from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2014, followed by his PhD in Geology from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2020. He was a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 2020 to 2023, working on modeling the formation of features known as coronae on the surface of Venus.

The Worlds Revealed Speaker Series invites diverse staff and experts to share their unique perspectives, bridging the gap between science, art, and exploration. Learn about exciting topics like the intersection of music and astronomy, the operations behind our world-class telescopes, or unexpected connections like animals and stars, Worlds Revealed offers a captivating inside look at the ideas and stories that inspire wonder and shape our understanding of the cosmos.

This program is included with General Admission.

Ages 18+