New and exciting activities in the
McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences
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As we head into a new academic year, take a look back at the past year in MCSS with our Summer 2026 Newsletter, featuring research, awards, graduates, events and more.
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Recent News From McDonnell Center Fellows
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The curious case of Mars' missing methane
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For decades, methane on Mars has puzzled planetary scientists. Because methane can be produced by geological processes or by living organisms on Earth, understanding where it comes from and where it goes has become one of the most important questions in Mars exploration.
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Methane has been detected on Mars by orbiters, rovers, and Earth-based telescopes. Yet observations from different spacecraft and telescopes have presented scientists with a confusing picture. Some observations have revealed sudden spikes of methane that disappear quickly, while others have found little or no methane at all.
New laboratory experiments led by Alian Wang suggest electrically charged Martian dust could rapidly destroy methane, offering a possible explanation for one of the Red Planet's biggest mysteries.
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Michael Wysession explores how geology shaped
human history in new Great Courses series
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For most of human history, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, changing climates, and other forces of nature were mysterious events that could seem random or even supernatural. Today, scientists use geology, history, anthropology, and archaeology to understand how those forces have shaped the world and, in turn, human civilization.
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Michael Wysession explores those connections in a new 24-lecture video course, The World’s Most Fascinating Geologic Events, from The Great Courses. The series examines events ranging from volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to changing climates and solar storms, showing how forces that shape Earth also shape human societies.
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Lydia Mazeeva Selected for Caltech’s FUTURE of Physics Program
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WashU Physics and Computer Science major Lydia Mazeeva has been selected to participate in Caltech’s FUTURE of Physics program, an all-expenses paid program designed to give promising undergraduate students an immersive look at pursuing a PhD in physics.
Mazeeva works with the Quantum Monte Carlo group under Maria Piarulli.
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Recent Publications by McDonnell Center Fellows
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Wang, A., Yan, C. Y., Qu, Q. H., Bradley, A. S., et al. (2026). The fast destruction of methane by heterogeneous electrochemistry induced by martian dust activity: An experimental approach. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 693, 120263.
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X-Ray Astronomy in Living Color
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St. Louis Astronomical Society August Meeting
Mike Nowak, WashU
Friday, August 21
7:30pm, McDonnell 162
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Geomorphic Controls on Landscape Change and Erosion Hazards from Rivers to Coasts
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EEPS Colloquium
Claire Masteller, WashU
Thursday, August 27
11:30am, Rudolph 301
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Compiled and edited by Alison Verbeck. Have news to share? Please send it along!
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© 2026 All rights reserved
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