Timothy Titus is a Space Scientist at Astrogeology Science Center.
1999 - Present
Space Scientist - U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff AZ. Research: Spectral analysis of Martian polar regions using data from MGS TES, Mars Odyssey THEMIS, and MRO CRISM. Thermal surface properties of 4 Vesta.
Oct 2010 - Jan 2011
Acting Science Center Director - U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff AZ.
1997 - 1999
Remote Sensing Analyst - Contracted with the U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN. Research: Spectral analysis of Martian polar regions using data from MGS TES.
1996 - 1997
Staff Lecturer - University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. Research: Multivariate analysis of galaxy spectra.
Education
Civilian Education
- Ph.D.,Astrophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 1996
- M.S., Astrophysics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 1988
- B.A., Physics/Mathematics, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 1985
Military Education
- Engineer Officer Basic Course (1988)
- Artillery Officer Advance Course (1992)
- Combined Arms Service and Staff School (1995)
- Command General Staff College (2000)
- Quartermaster Officer Advance Course (2003)
Research
- Mars Polar Processes: Specifically - the CO2 cycle and polar energy balance.
- Mars Thermal Inertia Studies: Specifically - the use of 2-layer thermal inertia models to detect sub-surface ice.
- Mars Aeolian Studies: Specially - the global inventory and characterization of Mars dunes.
- Cave Detection using the Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing: Specifically - using ground truth thermal characterization of terrestrial caves to develope techniques and procedures for detecting caves on Earth, the Moon, and Mars.
Missions
- Co-Investigator on Mars Odyssey THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS).
- Co-Investigator on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM).
- Selected as a Dawn at Vesta Participating Scientist.
Service
Military Service
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Timothy N. Titus
Last Position prior to Retirement
Chief of Logistics
Camp Navajo
Arizona National Guard
Bellemont, AZ
Civil Service
- Participating Scientist on DAWN at Vesta
- Extensive experience analyzing Mars Odyssey (ODY) THermal Emission IMaging System (THEMIS) data
- Extensive experience extracting and analyzing Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) data
- Extensive knowledge of several programming languages, including IDL
- Writes and maintains a GUI software package that enhances the analysis of TES spectral data
- Extensive knowledge of multivariate analysis techniques, especially Principal Components Analysis (PCA)
Bibliography
- Cornwall, C.; Titus, T. N., 2010, A comparison of Martian north and south polar cold spots and the long-term effects of the 2001 global dust storm, J. Geophys. Res., Volume 115, Issue E6, CiteID E06011.
- Cull, S.; Arvidson, R.E.; Mellon, M.; Wiseman, S.; Clark, R.; Titus, T.N.; Morris, R.V.; McGuire, P.2010, Seasonal H2O and CO2 ice cycles at the Mars Phoenix l
Science and Products
Planetary Defense
At the USGS Astrogeology Science Center we conduct research on Planetary Defense. Planetary Defense involves predicting potential impactors (asteroids, comets), and studying how to deflect or divert them, as well as the potential effects of an impact. Effects include short-term effects such as blast damage, but also long-term effects such as climate.
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volatiles. Volatiles include substances that have a high vapor pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere. We study the longevity, locations and other characteristics of volatiles. More specifically: H2O ice, snow and frost are volatiles on the Earth. We study the persistence of perennial snowfields in Colorado and Mongolia. Mars...
Caves
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
Science and Products
- Science
Planetary Defense
At the USGS Astrogeology Science Center we conduct research on Planetary Defense. Planetary Defense involves predicting potential impactors (asteroids, comets), and studying how to deflect or divert them, as well as the potential effects of an impact. Effects include short-term effects such as blast damage, but also long-term effects such as climate.Surface - Atmosphere interaction
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.Planetary Volatiles: Snow and Ice
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volatiles. Volatiles include substances that have a high vapor pressure relative to the ambient atmosphere. We study the longevity, locations and other characteristics of volatiles. More specifically: H2O ice, snow and frost are volatiles on the Earth. We study the persistence of perennial snowfields in Colorado and Mongolia. Mars...Caves
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions. - Data
- Publications