Ari Koeppel, Author at RocketSTEM

About the author

Ari Koeppel

Dr. Ari Koeppel is an Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Scientist at Dartmouth College and holds a PhD in Astronomy and Planetary Science from Northern Arizona University. As a planetary scientist and educator, Dr. Koeppel uses satellite, rover, and drone data to explore pressing questions about the surface environments of Earth and Mars. Dr. Koeppel was previously a UMBC/CRESST II Associate at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and his work on NASA missions has included roles with the Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers. His research has taken him on field expeditions around the world, from volcanoes in Hawai’i to glaciers in Iceland. As a 2024 Explorer’s Club grantee, he traveled throughout the Arctic refining tools to track rapidly thawing permafrost. In addition to research, Dr. Koeppel enjoys sharing his curiosity for the natural world with others and has taught astronomy, geology, and physics courses, spearheaded outreach activities, and led wilderness excursions for student enrichment.

Mars

The tools Perseverance used to spot a potential sign of ancient life

Ari Koeppel September 26, 2025

NASA’s search for evidence of past life on Mars just produced an exciting update. On Sept. 10, 2025, a team of scientists published a paper detailing the Perseverance rover’s investigation of a distinctive rock outcrop called Bright Angel on the edge of Mars’ Jezero Crater. This outcrop is notable for its light-toned rocks with striking …

Mars

Where does Mars exploration stand a decade removed from ‘The Martian’ release?

Ari Koeppel June 20, 2025

Andy Weir’s bestselling story “The Martian” predicts that by 2035 NASA will have landed humans on Mars three times, perfected return-to-Earth flight systems and collaborated with the China National Space Administration. We are now nearly 10 years past the Hollywood adaptation’s 2015 release and 10 years shy of its fictional timeline. At this midpoint, Mars …

Ari Koeppel

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