Upcoming Events
19 Mar (GEOL), The CycloAstro Project
Mar 19, 2026, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: Linda Hinnov, Department of AOES, George Mason University
Time: Thu, 19 Mar, 4:30pm ET
Location: Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email lhinnov@gmu.edu)
Title: The CycloAstro Project - A Research Collaboration Between Geoscience and Astronomy
Abstract: The CycloAstro Project is a research collaboration between geoscience and astronomy that seeks new fundamental knowledge about solar system and Earth-Moon dynamics. The project focuses on new approaches to modeling these dynamics, and on the analysis of Earth’s cyclostratigraphy, which contains a record of the actual dynamics preserved as paleoclimate signals. The knowledge that has been gained is being used to investigate:
(1) Earth-Moon parameters and solar system planetary orbit dynamics, 0-2.5 Ga
(2) Astronomical forcing of the paleoclimate system, 0-23 Ma
(3) Solar system solutions beyond the ~50 Ma predictability limit imposed by chaos
(4) Solar system dynamics from continental climate rhythms, 200-240 Ma
(5) Close encounters, collisional fragmentation, and tidal evolution in chaotic systems
This talk will present research highlights from the above categories and discuss the significance of the results to geoscience and astronomy.
Bio: Linda A. Hinnov is a Professor of Geology in the Department of AOES. She specializes in the analysis and modeling of geological data relating to Earth’s past climate variations and its drivers. Currently, she coordinates the ongoing multi-university CycloAstro Project, which seeks to acquire new empirical knowledge about Earth-Moon dynamics, solar system evolution and paleoclimate change through analysis and modeling of cyclostratigraphy.
