David Baratoux, Author at Eos

Visualization of a methane plume in Mars’ atmosphere during the northern summer season as retrieved from NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility at Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

The Mystery of Methane on Mars Thickens

by Germán Martinez, Anni Määttänen and David Baratoux 15 February 20223 January 2023

Two recently published papers zoom in on the mystery source of methane in the Martian atmosphere.

Mauritania’s Aouelloul impact crater, one of many foci for the African Initiative for Planetary and Space Sciences.

Africa Initiative for Planetary and Space Sciences

by David Baratoux, H. Chennaoui-Aoudjehane, R. Gibson, A. Lamali, W. U. Reimold, M. S. Sapah, M. C. Chabou, J. B. Habarulema, M. W. Jessell, A. Mogessie, Z. Benkhaldoun, E. Nkhonjera, N. C. Mukosi, M. Kaire, P. Rochette, A. Sickafoose, J. Martínez-Frías, A. Hofmann, L. Folco, A. P. Rossi, G. Faye, K. Kolenberg, K. Tekle, D. Belhai, M. Elyajouri, C. Koeberl and M. M. Abdeen 14 June 201728 January 2022

Elevating planetary and space sciences across Africa could help nations reach their development goals. Efforts will require collaboration, creativity, efficient planning, and political will.

A view of the night sky from Egypt’s Katameya Observatory, the largest telescope in the Arab world.

The State of Planetary and Space Sciences in Africa

by David Baratoux, H. Chennaoui-Aoudjehane, R. Gibson, A. Lamali, W. U. Reimold, M. S. Sapah, M. C. Chabou, J. B. Habarulema, M. W. Jessell, A. Mogessie, Z. Benkhaldoun, E. Nkhonjera, N. C. Mukosi, M. Kaire, P. Rochette, A. Sickafoose, J. Martínez-Frías, A. Hofmann, L. Folco, A. P. Rossi, G. Faye, K. Kolenberg, K. Tekle, D. Belhai, M. Elyajouri, C. Koeberl and M. M. Abdeen 13 June 20172 November 2021

Africa has an enormous potential to provide insights into planetary and space sciences, but it has remained largely untapped. Fostering a new generation of scientists promises far-reaching benefits.

Elevating Planetary Science in Africa

by David Baratoux and Brooks Hanson 30 August 201627 January 2022

Although planetary sciences may be perceived as long-term fundamental research with little direct and immediate benefit for populations, expanding planetary science programs can have many benefits