Dr Craig Agnor

Profile

The aim of my research is to understand the origin of planets and satellites.  I am principally interested in how gravitational dynamics determine the orbital structure of planetary systems and how giant collisions may account for the development of particular planetary characteristics (e.g. large obliquities, satellite formation, thermal excess/deficits).  In this work I utilize a combination of analytic theory and numerical simulation (e.g., N-body orbital integrations, hydrodynamic calculations of planetary collisions) to examine the collisional and dynamical evolution of planets.

In the past my work has addressed a variety of topics in solar system evolution including:

• The formation of the terrestrial planets and the origin of the Earth/Moon system.
• The capture of Neptune's large retrograde moon Triton.
• `Giant Impacts' between planets and the origin of planetary characteristics.
• Understanding the implications of large-scale orbital migration of the solar system's giant planets.

Teaching

My teaching for this year includes:

• SPA5241 Planetary Systems 
• SPA5666 Introduction to Scientific Computing
• SPA6776 Extended Independent Project
• SPA6913 Physics Review Project
• SPA7015 Physics Investigative Project
• I have also written the module MTH6110 Communicating and Teaching Mathematics that is offered through the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Research

Research Interests:

See Craig Agnor’s research profile pages including details of research interests, publications, and live grants.

Supervision

This is not an exhaustive list and I would be happy to discuss other project possibilities.