Bruntonian

Hello, and welcome to my academic web page. Here you'll find a little bit about my interests and what I research. Currently, I am a PhD candidate at Caltech, where I am advised by Konstantin Batygin, and I assist in teaching Planetary Physics.

I mainly specialize in the astrophysical dynamics of celestial bodies within our Solar System and throughout the galaxy. More generally, I am fascinated by all things that shape the physical and social world around us, which occasionally gets me into some field geology and studying international relations. Check out the brief overview of my work below, and head over to the publications page to see my previous papers. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or perhaps just to chat.

My Research

Evolution of the Solar System

^{(Image: NASA Eyes on the Solar System)}

Primarily, I have been studying Jupiter and its inner moons, which serve as a testing ground for our theories of orbital dynamics, planetary interiors, and the interplay between celestial bodies and their host environments. My most recent work is a combination of analytical theory and numerical simulations, utilized to set unique constraints on the late stages of the circumjovian nebula, and thus the environment of the Solar System around the time of Earth's formation.

Celestial Mechanics

^{(TRAPPIST-1 & the Jovian System)}

The physical processes that we see at work in our solar system are the same processes we now observe ubiquitously in far-off, exoplanetary systems. Ergo, by harnessing knowledge of the celestial mechanics right here in our solar neighborhood, I seek to glean insight into more distant worlds, which can then reveal new details about the conditions prevalent throughout the galaxy.

Nearby Astrophysical Phenomena

^{(Image: NASA/CXC/M. Weiss)}

I have always been enamored by humanity's ever-evolving understanding of our place in the cosmos. While working with Brian Fields at the University of Illinois, I researched the high-energy radiation from nearby supernovae, and the potential for these spectacular outbursts to have affected Earth in the distant past.

Field Geology & Exploration

In addition to the above research, I appreciate being able to apply my outdoor skills to exploration of the physical world around us. While working for NASA, and now at Caltech, I have been a part of numerous field expeditions across a wide variety of environments. I am also a part of John Grotzinger's sedimentology & stratigraphy group, where we explore depositional systems to investigate the ancient environment and evolution of our home planet. Feel free to reach out if you need an extra field hand for your next excursion.

Ian R. Brunton