Paul Withers

Paul Withers is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Astronomy at Boston University. He leads research on planetary atmospheres and ionospheres, with a focus on Mars and Venus, and serves as Principal Investigator on multiple NASA-funded research projects.

Education:

• B.A. in Physics, 1998, Queens' College, Cambridge University
• M.S. in Physics, 1998, Queens' College, Cambridge University
• M.A., 2001, Queens' College, Cambridge University
• Ph.D. in Planetary Science, 2003, University of Arizona

Professor Withers' research focuses on the upper atmospheres and ionospheres of terrestrial planets, particularly Mars and Venus. His work involves analyzing spacecraft data and developing theoretical models to understand how solar flux, neutral atmospheres, magnetic fields, and ionospheres interact under unique planetary conditions. He has made significant contributions to understanding the response of the Martian ionosphere to solar flares, the structure of the Venus ionosphere, and meteoric plasma layers in planetary ionospheres. His research often involves multi-instrument campaigns and coordinated observations across different spacecraft missions including Mars Express, MAVEN, and Venus Express.

Analysis of Professor Withers' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on Martian ionospheric dynamics, particularly its response to solar activity and its variability under different conditions. His work frequently combines data from multiple missions to create comprehensive models of planetary upper atmospheres. He has developed important methods for analyzing radio occultation data and reconstructing atmospheric properties from entry, descent, and landing measurements.

Major Funded Projects:

• "Characterizing the topside bulge in the ionosphere of Mars" (NASA Mars Data Analysis Program, 2014, $144K)
• "Integration of MAVEN neutral and plasma observations" (NASA MAVEN Participating Scientist Program, 2013, $284K)
• "Radio occultation studies at Mars" (NASA Early Career Fellowship Program, 2013, $99K)
• "EDL reconstruction for MSL" (NASA, JPL contract, 2012, $199K)
• "Meteoric plasma layers on Venus and Mars" (NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, 2012, $232K)

Professor Withers has been actively involved in mentoring students and collaborating with international researchers. He serves as a key member of the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN) and has contributed to community white papers for planetary science decadal surveys. His work supports future Mars landers through atmospheric modeling and surface pressure prediction, with direct applications to mission planning and execution.

He has presented his research at numerous international conferences including the American Geophysical Union meetings, Division for Planetary Sciences meetings, and European Planetary Science Congress. His work has important implications for understanding planetary climate evolution, space weather effects on technological systems, and the search for habitable environments beyond Earth.