Katherine de Kleer

Katherine de Kleer, a Professor of Planetary Science and Astronomy at Caltech, dives into the intriguing world of celestial bodies. She discusses the reclassification of Pluto and its implications. The podcast explores volcanic activity on Jupiter’s moon Io and examines the potential for life in the subsurface oceans of Europa. Katherine also touches on the complexities of Saturn's moons, including their organic compounds, and reflects on the daunting yet exciting challenges of colonizing Mars. Get ready for a cosmic journey through our solar system!

Katherine de Kleer, an assistant professor at Caltech, specializes in solar system studies using the James Webb Space Telescope. She shares how Webb is revolutionizing our understanding of asteroids, icy moons, and volcanic worlds. The discussion highlights Webb's unique infrared capabilities, revealing details about Io's surface and the mineral composition of asteroids. Katherine also emphasizes Webb's role in enhancing knowledge of Jupiter and Saturn's moons and its significance for future space missions, bridging solar system and exoplanet research.