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Posted: 12/02/21

TAMIU Prof Presents Recent Research on Mars’ Subsurface

 

Dr. Juan Homero Hinojosa
Dr. Juan Homero Hinojosa  

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) professor of Physics, Dr. Juan Homero Hinojosa, recently presented his research, “Density Anomalies in the Subsurface of Mars Determined from the Gravity Field” during the Fall 2021 meeting of the Texas Section of the American Physical Society.  

According to Hinojosa, recent research on Mars has focused on understanding the planet’s surface structure. However, learning more about the planet’s interior physical processes, such as understanding the motion of magma, or molten rock, is of equal importance in helping to understand the planet’s internal dynamics, Hinojosa reiterated.    

“The purpose of my research is to use the gravity field of Mars to identify locations on the planet where densities corresponding to magma may be present in the subsurface, indicating that the planet has not completely lost its internal heat and may still be geologically active,” said Hinojosa.  

Hinojosa’s research hopes to add to the existing knowledge about Mars and to help better understand the evolution of the planet. 

A longtime faculty member, Hinojosa joined TAMIU under its former name, Laredo State University, in 1991 and has remained at the University since then. His work has been published in academic publications including the Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Computers & Geosciences, Geofísica Internacional, Geophysics, Journal of Applied Geophysics, and more. 

Hinojosa earned a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Geophysics from The Johns Hopkins University. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Physics from Brown University. 

For more information, contact Hinojosa by emailing jhhinojosa@tamiu.edu, calling 956.326.2595, or visiting offices located in the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, room 373B.

For University information, visit tamiu.edu, email prmis@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2180 or stop by offices in the Killam Library, room 268. University information is also found on its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.