Bruce Jakosky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruce Jakosky
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Jakosky in 2016
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Bruce Martin Jakosky
December 9, 1955 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Scientist |
| Employer | University of Colorado at Boulder |
Bruce Martin Jakosky (born December 9, 1955) is a leading American scientist. He is a professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He also helps lead the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) there. Dr. Jakosky has worked on many important space missions. These include the Viking, Clementine, and several Mars missions like Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, and MAVEN. He also helps plan future missions to explore space.
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Exploring Space: Bruce Jakosky's Career
Studying Earth and Other Planets
Bruce Jakosky leads a team at the University of Colorado at Boulder. This team is part of the NASA Astrobiology Institute. Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe. He has worked at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics since 1982. He is an expert in the geology of Earth and other planets. He also studies the possibility of extraterrestrial life, which means life beyond Earth.
His research focuses on many exciting topics. He studies the surfaces of planets, especially the geology of Mars. He also looks at how the Martian atmosphere and climate have changed over time. Dr. Jakosky explores atmospheric chemistry and the chances for life on Mars or elsewhere. He also thinks about the big questions related to finding life in space.
Leading the MAVEN Mission to Mars
In September 2008, a big project called MAVEN was chosen by NASA. MAVEN is a spacecraft designed to orbit Mars. Its main goal is to study the Martian atmosphere. The MAVEN probe was launched into space on November 18, 2013.
Dr. Jakosky was the main scientist, called the Principal Investigator, for the MAVEN mission. He led the project from 2003 until August 31, 2021. This was a huge project, costing $485 million. It was the largest research contract ever given to the University of Colorado at Boulder. After Dr. Jakosky, Shannon Curry took over as the mission's leader.
Books by Bruce Jakosky
- Jakosky, B.M. (1998). The search for life on other planets, Cambridge University Press.
- Jakosky, B.M. (2006). Science, Society, and the Search for Life in the Universe, Univ. Arizona Press.
Images for kids
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Jakosky in 2016
