LONG CITATION
Prof. Arkani-Hamed is a planetary scientist interested in the internal dynamics of terrestrial planets and the mechanical and magnetic properties of their lithosphere. He has studied the thermal evolution of the planets and the surface manifestation of mantle dynamics, the tectonics of the planets. He first used Apollo gravity and topography data to determine the viscosity of the lunar interior as well as the elastic strength of the lunar lithosphere. He first suggested that Venus became a one-plate planet at ~500 million years ago, later confirmed by Magellan data. He first determined the shear stresses in the Martian lithosphere using Mariner 9 data, in 1975, and later using Mars Global Survey, finding that they were much stronger than that of the Earth. Dr. Arkani-Hamed also estimated that the rotation axis of Mars has wandered by as much as 65 degrees over the last four billion years.

SHORT CITATION
Jafar Arkani-Hamed is a leading planetary scientist interested in the internal dynamics of terrestrial planets and the mechanical and magnetic properties of their interiors. He has studied both the thermal evolution of the planets and their tectonics. Among his most significant contributions are the viscosity of the lunar interior, the tectonics of Venus, and the remarkable wandering of the rotation axis of Mars over the four billion years.