Uploaded October 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
You may not think that a big hole in the ground could be a fascinating study, but to a cratering expert it is just that. Craters are found on almost every body in the solar system, and they’re useful tools for exploring the surfaces of far away planets and moons, giving us clues about the history, composition, and currently active processes happening on the surface. This week, we’re talking with an award-winning crater buff about her work on bodies like Europa, Pluto, and Charon, and what sort of interesting things we can learn about these places just by looking at their craters (or lack thereof).
Dr. Kelsi Singer is a planetary scientist with Southwest Research Institute specializing in the geology and geophysics of planetary bodies. Her most recent contributions have been as a co-investigator and deputy project scientist on the New Horizons mission, working in operations and on the geology and geophysics team. She recently received the Harold C. Urey Prize from the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences; the prize is the highest DPS honor for a young planetary scientist, recognizing outstanding achievements in planetary research.
Fiske is one of the largest planetariums in the US, having served CU Boulder & the local community since 1975. We offer a diverse range of fulldome films, live talks, laser and liquid sky shows, as well as public gatherings for astronomical and NASA-related events.
Follow Fiske Planetarium:
Website | https://www.colorado.edu/fiske
Instagram | instagram.com/fiskeplanet
Facebook | facebook.com/teamfiske
You may not think that a big hole in the ground could be a fascinating study, but to a cratering expert it is just that. Craters are found on almost every body in the solar system, and they’re useful tools for exploring the surfaces of far away planets and moons, giving us clues about the history, composition, and currently active processes happening on the surface. This week, we’re talking with an award-winning crater buff about her work on bodies like Europa, Pluto, and Charon, and what sort of interesting things we can learn about these places just by looking at their craters (or lack thereof).
Dr. Kelsi Singer is a planetary scientist with Southwest Research Institute specializing in the geology and geophysics of planetary bodies. Her most recent contributions have been as a co-investigator and deputy project scientist on the New Horizons mission, working in operations and on the geology and geophysics team. She recently received the Harold C. Urey Prize from the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences; the prize is the highest DPS honor for a young planetary scientist, recognizing outstanding achievements in planetary research.
Fiske is one of the largest planetariums in the US, having served CU Boulder & the local community since 1975. We offer a diverse range of fulldome films, live talks, laser and liquid sky shows, as well as public gatherings for astronomical and NASA-related events.
Follow Fiske Planetarium:
Website | https://www.colorado.edu/fiske
Instagram | instagram.com/fiskeplanet
Facebook | facebook.com/teamfiske
