Christopher S. Edwards

Christopher S. Edwards is an Associate Professor of Planetary Science in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northern Arizona University. He serves as a science team member and instrument scientist for the Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer on the Emirates Mars Mission "Hope", a participating scientist on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, a participating scientist on the OSIRIS-Rex mission to Bennu, and a Co-Investigator on the Lunar Trailblazer mission. His research spans multiple planetary missions including the 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System, Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars.

Dr. Edwards' research program focuses on the composition, physical properties and processes, and morphology of planetary surfaces, with an emphasis on rocky bodies including Earth. His work spans:

• Infrared remote sensing instrument design and development
• Planetary surface composition analysis using spectroscopy
• Geologic field observations at terrestrial analog sites
• Numerical modeling of surface processes

His research interests include:

• Planetary Geology and surface processes
• Spectroscopy of planetary surfaces
• Remote sensing instrument development
• Volcanic processes on terrestrial planets

Dr. Edwards' recent publications reveal a strong focus on Mars atmospheric studies using data from the Emirates Mars Mission, particularly examining water ice clouds, surface dust properties, and thermal characteristics. His work also extends to lunar exploration with the Lunar Trailblazer mission and asteroid studies through the OSIRIS-Rex mission, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to understanding planetary surfaces across the solar system.

His scientific contributions include:

• Studies of Martian paleo-hydrology and surface evolution
• Analysis of volcanic processes on Mars and Earth
• Development of novel methods for thermal inertia measurements
• Investigations of planetary surface composition using infrared spectroscopy

Dr. Edwards has conducted field research at multiple terrestrial analog sites including the western U.S., Yellowstone, Hawaii, Spain, and the Himalayan mountains of Bhutan, connecting Earth-based observations to planetary science questions through the Planetary Instrumentation eXperimentation and Exploration Laboratory (PIXEL) at NAU.