Professor;
Associate Director, Center for Space Physics
Research Interests: Computational and theoretical space plasma physics; dynamics of the ionosphere and solar atmosphere; particle-wave interactions in plasmas; plasma-radio wave interactions; and the physics of meteors.
Professor Meers Oppenheim is a leading expert in space plasma physics and its interaction with planetary atmospheres. His research combines theory, large-scale supercomputer simulations, and observational data to explore fundamental processes in the solar system. This expertise has led to studies on a range of topics, including the Earth’s ionosphere, the lower solar atmosphere, and the physics of meteor trails. In these studies, he has used some of the world’s largest supercomputers and radar systems. His research has been funded by NSF, NASA, DOE, and DoD.
Focus on Meteor Physics: Every day, tons of material enter Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, mostly as particles smaller than a grain of sand. While larger particles create visible meteors, the smaller ones are detectable only by radar. These particles reveal the distribution of matter within our solar system. They introduce metals and dust into our upper atmosphere, altering atmospheric chemistry and posing a threat to spacecraft. For over 20 years, Professor Oppenheim and his team have been developing theories and simulations of meteor evolution — from their initial heating as they enter a planet’s atmosphere, through the ablation stage, and into their turbulent diffusion until they dissipate. By exploring these processes, they enhance our understanding of how meteors affect atmospheres and how they can be detected.