Palotai, Csaba
Csaba Palotai
Associate Professor | COES: Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences
Contact Information
Personal Overview
My current research focuses on numerical modeling of planetary atmospheres. I am interested in the atmospheric dynamics and cloud physics of the giant planets in our Solar System and study how they compare to their exoplanetary counterparts. I also investigate various phenomena related to terrestrial and jovian comet and asteroid impacts. These studies provide insights into the processes that played crucial roles in the formation and evolution of the Solar System.
Educational Background
- Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, 2006.
- M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Budapest, Hungary, 2001.
Professional Experience
- 2018 – present, Associate Professor, Florida Institute of Technology
- 2015 – 2018, Assistant Professor, Florida Institute of Technology
- 2011 – 2015, Associate Scientist of Planetary Sciences, University of Central Florida
- 2006 – 2011, Assistant Scientist of Planetary Sciences, University of Central Florida
- 2002 – 2006, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Louisville
Current Courses
- PHY 1001 Physics 1 - Mechanics
- SPS 4030 Physics of the Atmosphere
- SPS 1020 Introduction to Space Sciences
- SPS 4045 Physics and Chemistry of Planet Formation
Research
- Comparative planetology
- Numerical modeling of terrestrial and jovian airbursts
- Planetary and exoplanetary atmospheric dynamics and physics
- Meteor and bolide observations