{"685960":{"#nid":"685960","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Space Exploration in the Backyard, On a Budget \u2013 How NASA Simulates Conditions in Space Without Blasting\u00a0Off","body":[{"value":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022theconversation-article-body\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHumanity\u2019s drive to explore has taken us across the solar system, with astronaut boots, various landers and rovers\u2019 wheels exploring the surfaces of several different planetary bodies. These environments are generally hostile to human and equipment health, so designing and executing these missions requires a lot of planning, testing and technological development.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou may have heard about the extensive \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/setmo\/facilities\/\u0022\u003Etesting facilities for spacecraft and equipment\u003C\/a\u003E, but how do scientists prepare for the human aspect of space exploration?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne way to test out techniques and identify situations that may arise during a real mission is using a simulation, which in this field is more commonly \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/analog-missions\/\u0022\u003Eknown as an analog\u003C\/a\u003E. Researchers choose and design analog missions and environments to replicate elements of a real mission, using what is available here on Earth.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese missions are conducted in extreme environments on Earth that are comparable to the Moon or Mars, in habitats designed to replicate living quarters, or a combination of both. Researchers can use analogs to study crew performance and procedures, or to test instruments \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fM7OdOiElbk\u0022\u003Eunder development for use in space\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFor example, operating a drill or wrench may seem easy here on Earth, but try doing the same task in thick gloves on a bulky, pressurized space suit in lower gravity. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/nasa-innovative-tools-for-an-out-of-this-world-job\/\u0022\u003ESuddenly, things aren\u2019t so straightforward\u003C\/a\u003E. Testing these scenarios on Earth allows researchers to identify necessary changes before launch. The analogs can also train crew members who will one day undertake the actual mission.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI\u2019m a planetary scientist, which means I study the geology of other planets. Currently, I study environments on Earth that are similar to other planets to improve our understanding of their counterparts elsewhere in the solar system. I participated as a volunteer in one of these analog missions as an \u201canalog astronaut,\u201d serving as the crew geologist and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=ww-fObYAAAAJ\u0026amp;hl=en\u0022\u003Eapplying my prior research findings\u003C\/a\u003E from studying the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/npp.orau.org\/experiences\/jordan-bretzfelder.html\u0022\u003Esurfaces of the Moon and Mars\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThese analog missions vary in setting, length and intensity, but all aim to learn more about the human factors involved in space exploration.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EWhere Do We Send Them?\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnalog missions are designed to simulate the crew\u2019s experience in a given mission plan. In some cases, they simulate surface operations on the Moon or Mars for up to a year. Others might replicate the experience of being in transit to Mars for a period of time, followed by the crew \u201clanding\u201d and exploring the surface.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENASA uses several analog mission facilities spread across the world. For example, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mars-desert-research-station.raisely.com\/MDRS\u0022\u003EMars Desert Research Station\u003C\/a\u003E in Utah is located in an environment chosen to imitate conditions on Mars, while \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/analog-field-testing\/neemo\/about-neemo-nasa-extreme-environment-mission-operations\/\u0022\u003Eanalog missions at Aquarius\u003C\/a\u003E, an undersea research station off the coast of Florida, help scientists learn about crew behavior and psychology in a confined habitat located in a hostile environment.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome natural environments are commonly used for analog operations, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/artemis\/nasa-field-geology-training-prepares-artemis-mission-support-teams\/\u0022\u003Evolcanic terrains\u003C\/a\u003E in the western U.S., \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/st.llnl.gov\/news\/look-back\/apollo-astronauts-train-nevada-test-site\u0022\u003Ehuman-made craters in Nevada\u003C\/a\u003E, the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vZwa5kEaNTY\u0022\u003Enatural meteor crater in Arizona\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/antarctic-stations\/\u0022\u003Eand research stations in Antarctica\u003C\/a\u003E. These locations mirror the geologic settings the crews are likely to encounter on future missions, and so training in these locations helps them execute the actual missions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI participated in a simulated 28-day lunar surface mission at a facility called \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.hi-seas.org\u0022\u003EHi-SEAS\u003C\/a\u003E as part of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sift.net\/research\/computational-social-science\/medulla\u0022\u003Ea study on crew dynamics and psychology\u003C\/a\u003E in extreme isolation. The facility is located on Mauna Loa, a volcano on the big island of Hawaii. This habitat has been used for a variety of studies, as the volcanic terrain is reminiscent of both the Moon and parts of Mars, and the isolated location simulates being in space.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A series of photos showing a dome-shaped habitat; a circular window; a circular doorway labeled \u0026apos;airlock\u0026apos;; a room full of cabinets and appliances labeled \u0026apos;laboratory\u0026apos;; a stairwell and elliptical; and a room with a small bed labeled \u0026apos;cabins\u0026apos;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=423\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=423\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=423\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=532\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=532\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693958\/original\/file-20251001-56-5xnjzf.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=532\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe HI-SEAS Habitat, which recreates the conditions of living and working on the Moon, is located in Mauna Loa, Hawaii.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EJordan Bretzfelder\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EAnalog Mission Crews\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost missions require applicants to hold relevant degrees. They must undergo physical health and psychiatric evaluations, with the goal being to select individuals with \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/astronauts\/become-an-astronaut\/\u0022\u003Esimilar backgrounds\u003C\/a\u003E to those in the astronaut corps. The ideal crew is typically made up of participants who work and live well with others, and can stay cool under stress.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECrews also include at least one person with medical training for emergencies, as well as a variety of scientists and engineers to operate the habitat\u2019s life support systems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022Two photos of a group of people wearing flight suits walking in a volcanic terrain and standing in front of a geodesic dome.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=396\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=396\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=396\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=497\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=497\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693957\/original\/file-20251001-103-tvf7tt.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=497\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003ESpecial suits were required whenever researchers left the habitat. They consisted of flight suits, protective pads, thick motorcycle gloves and a modified helmet with an air pump unit attached, housed in a backpack. Ensuring the suits and air systems were functioning before and during these short expeditions was critical.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cspan class=\u0022attribution source\u0022\u003EJordan Bretzfelder\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe experiences of each crew varies, depending on the mission design, location and makeup of the crew. My mission was designed so that the six crew members would not have any information about our crewmates until we arrived in Hawaii for training. In addition to geology expertise, I also have some medical training as \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/wildmed.com\/courses\/standard\/5-day-wilderness-first-responder\/\u0022\u003Ea Wilderness First Responder\u003C\/a\u003E, so I was there to assist with any medical issues.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003EDaily Life On An Analog Mission\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOnce in Hawaii, the crew spent three days learning how to operate the habitat systems, including the hydroponic garden and solar panels. We practiced emergency procedures and were taught how to perform other tasks.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter that orientation, we were deployed to the habitat for 28 days. We turned in our phones to mission control and could only access the internet to check emails or use a few preapproved websites required for our daily duties. Our days were scheduled with tasks from wake up, about 6:30 a.m., to lights out, about 10 p.m.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigure class=\u0022align-center zoomable\u0022\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=1000\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\u0022A mission patch showing three people wearing masks and flight suits and walking toward a dome-shaped habitat, with a ring around it saying \u0026apos;Medulla IV\u0026apos; with the names of the participants.\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;fit=clip\u0022 srcset=\u0022https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=578\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 600w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=578\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1200w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=600\u0026amp;h=578\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 1800w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=45\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=727\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=1 754w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=30\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=727\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=2 1508w, https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/693959\/original\/file-20251001-64-fbk8i1.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0\u0026amp;q=15\u0026amp;auto=format\u0026amp;w=754\u0026amp;h=727\u0026amp;fit=crop\u0026amp;dpr=3 2262w\u0022 sizes=\u0022(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px\u0022\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cfigcaption\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022caption\u0022\u003EThe mission patch from the lunar analog mission.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/figcaption\u003E\u003C\/figure\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe tasks included a variety of exercises to assess individual and group performance. They included individual assessments \u2013 similar to a daily IQ test \u2013 and group computer-based tasks, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sift.net\/demos\/medulla-cubecrusher\u0022\u003Esuch as team 3D Tetris\u003C\/a\u003E. The researchers remotely monitored our interactions during these activities, and the results were analyzed as the mission progressed. They used our fluctuating performance on these activities as a proxy for estimating stress levels, group cohesion and individual well-being.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, we went on two-to-three-hour extra-vehicular activities, or excursions outside the habitat, on alternating days. During these expeditions, we conducted geologic investigations on the volcano. On our \u201coff days,\u201d we spent two hours exercising in the habitat. We had to be fully suited in a mock spacesuit any time we went outside, and we had to be careful about the airlock procedures. We were never outdoors alone.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe could only eat freeze-dried and powdered foods, aside from what we were able to grow in the hydroponic system. We had no additional food delivered during our stay. Water was also rationed, meaning we had to find innovative ways to maintain personal hygiene. For example, a bucket shower one or two times per week was allowed, supplemented by \u201cwilderness wipe\u201d baths. As someone with a lot of very curly hair, I was happy to figure out a method for managing it using less than two liters of water per week. We were also permitted to do laundry once during our stay, as a group. Sorting through your crewmates\u2019 wet clothes was certainly one way to bond.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough physically demanding at times, the workload was not unreasonable. We were kept busy all day, as certain everyday tasks, such as cooking, required more effort than they might need in our normal lives. Preparing nutritionally balanced and palatable meals while rationing our very limited resources was hard, but it also provided opportunities to get creative with recipes and ingredients. We even managed to bake a cake for a crew member\u2019s birthday, using peanut butter protein and cocoa powders to flavor it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter dinner each night, we shared the pre-saved movies and shows we had each brought with us into the habitat, as we could not access the internet. Those of us who had brought physical copies of books into the habitat would trade those as well. One crew member managed to acquire a downloadable form of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mashable.com\/article\/wordle-word-game-what-is-it-explained\u0022\u003Ethe daily Wordle\u003C\/a\u003E, so we could still compete with our friends back home. We also played board games, and all of these activities helped us get to know each other.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThough different from our typical daily lives, the experience was one of a kind. We had the satisfaction of knowing that our efforts advanced space exploration in its own small way, one IQ test and slapdash cake at a time.\u003C!-- Below is The Conversation\u0027s page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --\u003E\u003Cimg style=\u0022border-color:!important;border-style:none;box-shadow:none !important;margin:0 !important;max-height:1px !important;max-width:1px !important;min-height:1px !important;min-width:1px !important;opacity:0 !important;outline:none !important;padding:0 !important;\u0022 src=\u0022https:\/\/counter.theconversation.com\/content\/264658\/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic\u0022 alt=\u0022The Conversation\u0022 width=\u00221\u0022 height=\u00221\u0022 referrerpolicy=\u0022no-referrer-when-downgrade\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- End of code. If you don\u0027t see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/republishing-guidelines --\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThis article is republished from \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EThe Conversation\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E under a Creative Commons license. Read the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/space-exploration-in-the-backyard-on-a-budget-how-nasa-simulates-conditions-in-space-without-blasting-off-264658\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eoriginal article\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"full_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EHumanity\u2019s drive to explore has taken us across the solar system, with astronaut boots, various landers and rovers\u2019 wheels exploring the surfaces of several different planetary bodies. These environments are generally hostile to human and equipment health, so designing and executing these missions requires a lot of planning, testing and technological development.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Humanity\u2019s drive to explore has taken us across the solar system, with astronaut boots, various landers and rovers\u2019 wheels exploring the surfaces of several different planetary bodies. "}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2025-10-20 16:09:38","changed_gmt":"2025-11-12 18:54:49","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"678437":{"id":"678437","type":"image","title":"Analog missions, like those conducted at NASA\u2019s CHAPEA facility at the Johnson Space Center, help scientists study human spaceflight without leaving Earth. Ronaldo Schemidt\/AFP via Getty Images","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAnalog missions, like those conducted at NASA\u2019s CHAPEA facility at the Johnson Space Center, help scientists study human spaceflight without leaving Earth. Ronaldo Schemidt\/AFP via Getty Images\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1761236055","gmt_created":"2025-10-23 16:14:15","changed":"1761236055","gmt_changed":"2025-10-23 16:14:15","alt":"Analog missions, like those conducted at NASA\u2019s CHAPEA facility at the Johnson Space Center, help scientists study human spaceflight without leaving Earth. Ronaldo Schemidt\/AFP via Getty Images","file":{"fid":"262460","name":"file-20251007-56-qjob9q.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/23\/file-20251007-56-qjob9q.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/10\/23\/file-20251007-56-qjob9q.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":262537,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/10\/23\/file-20251007-56-qjob9q.jpg?itok=sy9qSCP2"}}},"media_ids":["678437"],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/space-exploration-in-the-backyard-on-a-budget-how-nasa-simulates-conditions-in-space-without-blasting-off-264658","title":"Read This Article on The Conversation"}],"groups":[{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch5\u003EAuthor:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/jordan-bretzfelder-2472986\u0022\u003EJordan Bretzfelder\u003C\/a\u003E, Postdoctoral Fellow, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/georgia-institute-of-technology-1310\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch5\u003EMedia Contact:\u003C\/h5\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShelley Wunder-Smith\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:shelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eshelley.wunder-smith@research.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}