DR. ROB LILLIS
PHYSICIST
SAN FRANCISCO
Rob is involved in the data analysis and modeling of plasma and magnetic processes in the Martian thermosphere and ionosphere and the geophysical implications of subsurface magnetization. He has developed a fully kinetic Monte Carlo transport model for ions and electrons in the complex magnetic and electric fields in near-Mars space, which can output altitude profiles of impact ionization, dissociation and excitation of atmospheric neutrals. He is also very familiar with properties of the neutral atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetic geometry/topology in the near-Mars environment.
PROFESSIONAL experience
ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PHYSICIST, UC BERKELEY (2014 - )
- Study of planetary space physics and geophysics.
- Range of research projects primarily focused on Mars, ranging all the way from the planet's liquid core, to mantle convection, crustal magnetization, magmatic history, impact cratering record, dust storms, ionospheric electrodynamics, thermospheric circulation, auroral processes, and out to its tenuous exosphere and induced magnetosphe
ASSISTANT RESEARCH PHYSICIST IV, UC BERKELEY (2008- 2014)
- Study of planetary space physics and geophysics including solar wind interaction with Mars, the Martian thermosphere, Ionosphere and exosphere.
- Study of crustal magnetization, the history of the Martian dynamo, impact processes and volcanoes/magmatism.
education
UC BERKELEY, PhD.
- Concentration in Planetary and Space physics
TRINITY COLLEGE - DUBLIN, B.A.
- Graduated in the honors college
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Rapid decrease in Martian crustal magnetization in the Noachian era: Implications for the dynamo and climate of early Mars. RJ Lillis, HV Frey, M Manga. Geophysical Research Letters 35 (14)
An improved crustal magnetic field map of Mars from electron reflectometry: Highland volcano magmatic history and the end of the Martian dynamo. RJ Lillis, HV Frey, M Manga, DL Mitchell, RP Lin, MH Acuña, SW Bougher. Icarus 194 (2), 575-596.
Variability of the altitude of the Martian sheath. DA Brain, JS Halekas, R Lillis, DL Mitchell, RP Lin, DH Crider. Geophysical research letters 32 (18).
Giant impacts on early Mars and the cessation of the Martian dynamo. JH Roberts, RJ Lillis, M Manga. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 114 (E4).
Electron pitch angle distributions as indicators of magnetic field topology near Mars. DA Brain, RJ Lillis, DL Mitchell, JS Halekas, RP Lin. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics 112 (A9).
Nightside ionosphere of Mars: Modeling the effects of crustal magnetic fields and electron pitch angle distributions on electron impact ionization. RJ Lillis, MO Fillingim, LM Peticolas, DA Brain, RP Lin, SW Bougher. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 114 (E11).
A global map of Mars' crustal magnetic field based on electron reflectometry. DL Mitchell, RJ Lillis, RP Lin, JEP Connerney, MH Acuña. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 112 (E1).
Current sheets at low altitudes in the Martian magnetotail. JS Halekas, DA Brain, RJ Lillis, MO Fillingim, DL Mitchell, RP Lin. Geophysical research letters 33 (13).
Demagnetization of crust by magmatic intrusion near the Arsia Mons volcano: Magnetic and thermal implications for the development of the Tharsis province, Mars. RJ Lillis, J Dufek, JE Bleacher, M Manga. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 185 (1), 123-138.
Mapping crustal magnetic fields at Mars using electron reflectometry. RJ Lillis, DL Mitchell, RP Lin, JEP Connerney, MH Acuña. Geophysical research letters 31 (15).
Localized ionization patches in the nighttime ionosphere of Mars and their electrodynamic consequences. MO Fillingim, LM Peticolas, RJ Lillis, DA Brain, JS Halekas, .... Icarus 206 (1), 112-119.
Model calculations of electron precipitation induced ionization patches on the nightside of Mars. MO Fillingim, LM Peticolas, RJ Lillis, DA Brain, JS Halekas, DL Mitchell, .... Geophysical research letters 34 (12).
MEDIA INTERACTION
• Big Picture Science Radio Show with Molly Bentley: the science goals of the MAVEN mission and the history of Martian habitability. The interview was aired on dozens of NPR affiliates across the country and placed on several popular science blogs, including the SETI institute.
• Radio New Zealand. National Morning show with Kathryn Ryan. Interview about MAVEN’s first results news announcement and Mars Habitability.
• MAVEN Science Team Blog: Tracing Mars Atmospheric Loss through Time: the Three Devils.