SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that astronomer Daniel Carrera has joined the faculty as a research assistant professor, supported by two NASA grants totaling approximately $1 million over four years. Carrera, who has known NMSU associate professor Wladimir Lyra since 2012, will collaborate with him on projects related to planet formation.

Carrera's work is backed by NASA's Exoplanet Research Program and Emerging Worlds Program. The first grant focuses on the study of giant planets in their early formation stages, while the second investigates the early solar system's development through dust growth and streaming instability.

Lyra explained that understanding planet formation requires computational methods due to the complexity of nonlinear equations involved. "We essentially build in the computers a digital laboratory, perform virtual experiments, and compare the results to astronomical observations," he said.

Carrera aims to explore how small pebbles transform into larger rocks within proto-planetary disks. He plans to integrate concepts of gas drag and particle sticking in his models to bridge gaps in current theories.

His research also addresses how planets form within the first million years of a star's life—a period previously thought less significant for planet formation. "Whether we like it or not, we have evidence that the universe decided to form planets in the first million years," Carrera noted.

The collaboration with Lyra was a key factor in Carrera’s decision to join NMSU. He expressed admiration for Lyra’s scientific contributions and shared his appreciation for New Mexico traditions like enjoying both red and green chile—known locally as Christmas.