Sarah Peacock
Hi! I'm Sarah! I am an Assistant Research Scientist at UMBC and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland. I investigate the interactions between stars and their planets, with a focus on how stellar environments influence the habitability of terrestrial exoplanets. In particular, my research examines the high-energy radiation to which these planets are exposed, emphasizing ultraviolet emission and its effects on planetary atmospheres. I also model longer wavelengths to assess how stellar surface heterogeneity impacts transmission spectroscopy measurements. I am also engaged in developing mission concepts aimed at advancing our understanding of star–planet systems and their potential for habitability.
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Some of the NASA mission/mission concepts I have been involved with are:
Artemis-enabled Stellar Imager (AeSI) - This NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) Phase I study explores the feasibility of placing a long-baseline UV/optical interferometer near the Artemis Base Camp at the Lunar south pole.
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Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS) - This NASA-funded astrophysics mission will photometrically monitor the high-energy radiation environment of exoplanets around low-mass stars and is set to launch in 2025.
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Small NASA Optical Ultraviolet Telescope (SNOUT) - This NASA Pioneers mission concept would measure both quiescent EUV flux and simultaneous EUV+white-light flares from low mass stars to characterize the high energy environment exoplanets are subject to.
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Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Characterization of Planets and their Environments (UV-SCOPE) - This NASA MidEX mission concept would observe UV transmission spectra of transiting exoplanets orbiting young and old stars ranging in spectral type, plus the spectra of stars with which to map the variability, flaring, and evolution of exoplanet high-energy environments.
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You can learn more about these projects in the Research tab.
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And you can learn more about me in the following profiles:
