Physics Professor Brian Jackson recently appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting. Their program explored Jackson’s work in the Alvord Desert, a dry region in southeastern Oregon, where he studies dust devils.
Jackson is an astronomer whose research focuses on Mars and planets outside Earth’s solar system, but there is a lot to learn from dust devils. The dust and sand-filled vortices are common in dry, windy areas, and not just on Earth. Planetary scientists have witnessed dust devils on Mars as well.
Understanding dust devils on Earth could help researchers learn about Martian winds. Jackson has studied that subject closely. Last year, he was part of the first team to ever measure wind speed and direction on another planet.
The results of dust devil research in Oregon could change the understanding of the Martian atmosphere, and how to plan and execute future missions to the red planet.