Dr. Schneider's research interests lie in the areas of the origin & evolution of planetary atmospheres, planetary spectroscopy, planetary magnetospheres, extra-solar planets, scientific visualization, and instrument development. His current primary focus is Mars and the evolution of its atmosphere. He serves as Instrument Lead on the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph on a NASA Mars Scout mission 'MAVEN' (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, Shannon Curry PI), now in its 10th year of operation at Mars. He is also a co-investigator on the Mars Express Mission associated with the SPICAM instrument team. Dr. Schneider also maintains an active program focused on the physics of planetary magnetospheres, particularly the interactions between planetary plasmas and the satellites of the outer planets. He is a Co-investigator on the European Space Agency 'JUICE' mission to the Jupiter system, and a Guest Investigator on the Hisaki mission studying UV emissions from the Jupiter-Io system.
ASTR 1000 - The Solar System
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1010, but without lab. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030.
ASTR 1010 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1000, but with additional lab. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 3710 - Formation & Dynamics of Planetary Systems
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2022
Covers the origin of planetary systems and their dynamical evolution. Topics include the physics and chemistry of planetary formation, orbital mechanics and extrasolar planets. This course and ASTR 3720 and ASTR 3750 may be taken in any order. Elective for APS major and minor.
ASTR 3720 - Planets and Their Atmospheres
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2024
Explores the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan. Examines evolution of the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars; and the escape of gases from the Galilean satellites, Titan and Mars; the orbital characteristics of moons, planets, and comets. Uses recent results of space exploration. Elective for APS major and minor. Same as ATOC 3720.
ASTR 3750 - Planets, Moons, and Rings
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Approaches the physics of planets, emphasizing their surfaces, satellites, and rings. Topics include formation and evolution of planetary surfaces, history of the terrestrial planets, and dynamics of planetary rings. This course and ASTR 3720 may be taken for credit in any order. Elective for APS major and minor.
ASTR 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and GEOL 5835.
ATOC 3720 - Planets and Their Atmospheres
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2024
Explores the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan. Examines evolution of the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars; and the escape of gases from the Galilean satellites, Titan and Mars; the orbital characteristics of moons, planets, and comets. Uses recent results of space exploration. Elective for APS major and minor. Same as ASTR 3720.
