Renyu Hu

My research focuses on the characterization of terrestrial exoplanets' atmospheres and surfaces. During my PhD I have built a new comprehensive theoretical model of photochemistry and radiative transfer for exploration of exoplanetary atmospheres. I am using the model to identify gases in terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres that are indicative of alien life.

I have also pioneered the first theoretical model that outlined how to detect mineral compositions on a bare-rock exoplanet.

I am also interested in Mars polar processes. My analysis of data of various Mars orbiters has led to the first observational constraints on the particle size of CO2 snow on the red planet.