This National Science Foundation (NSF) Project Grant award under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) provides $441,951 to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to conduct an experimental study on the role of secondary electron emission in atmospheric electricity. The key objectives are to: (A) examine how secondary electron emission influences the ignition of electric discharges, (B) investigate the impact of electrode shape and composition on gas discharge initiation, and (C) explore how dust affects electrical discharges in Earth and Mars atmospheric conditions. The university will leverage an existing dusty plasma chamber and incorporate theoretical validation to characterize dielectric breakdown in planetary atmospheres. Additionally, the award will support the development of open-access educational tools, including Python training resources, to promote scientific research in planetary sciences, geosciences, and astronomy. The project period runs from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.
Generated 1/28/25, 10:30 AM