Affiliate Scientist: Steve Bougher

Stephen Bougher has been an HAO affiliate scientist since 2003. He presently holds the Andrew F. Nagy Collegiate Research Professorship at the University of Michigan. Steve has been a frequent visitor to HAO since his ASP Post-doctoral appointment here in 1984–1986. He has collaborated most with Ray Roble, Hanli Liu, and Ben Foster.

Steve's research focuses on comparative aspects of planetary upper atmospheres. Together with Ray Roble and Ben Foster, he has adapted the TGCM family of codes to capture the physics of the thermosphere-ionospheres of Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. Each of these planetary TGCM codes has been used to interpret and assimilate various NASA and ESA spacecraft datasets (e.g. from Pioneer Venus, Venus Express, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Express, and Galileo).

One of his significant contributions includes the comparison of CO₂ 15-micron cooling rates in the thermospheres of Venus, Earth, and Mars, and the implications for the heat budgets of these three planets. The MTGCM code has been used extensively to prepare for and conduct aerobraking activities at Mars since 1997. The VTGCM has recently been applied to the interpretation of Venus Express nightglow emissions and the implications for global dynamics. Finally, the MTGCM is presently being used to plan for the upcoming MAVEN mission to Mars, which will obtain measurements to determine the volatile escape rates.

Steve thoroughly enjoys hiking and bicycling, and looks forward to opportunities to go camping. Together with his wife, Trish, they are delighted to be grand-parents of a 3-year old girl, Hannah. As always, they love the opportunity to visit Boulder, explore the mountains, and visit with many friends along the Front Range.

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