James Sinclair Email & Phone Number

Pasadena, Ca

Key focus of my research is the study of Jupiter's extreme space weather. Auroral processes (similar to the Aurora Borealis/Australis on Earth) deposit energy in Jupiter's middle atmosphere and produce strong heating, circulation and unique chemistry. Infrared imaging and spectroscopic measurements recorded by Earth-based telescopes (NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility, Gemini-North) and spacecraft (e.g. Voyager, Cassini) were processed and analyzed using radiative transfer… Show more Key focus of my research is the study of Jupiter's extreme space weather. Auroral processes (similar to the Aurora Borealis/Australis on Earth) deposit energy in Jupiter's middle atmosphere and produce strong heating, circulation and unique chemistry. Infrared imaging and spectroscopic measurements recorded by Earth-based telescopes (NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility, Gemini-North) and spacecraft (e.g. Voyager, Cassini) were processed and analyzed using radiative transfer software/statistical tools in order to determine atmospheric temperature and composition and quantify how they are modulated by auroral processes. Show less

Greater Los Angeles Area

Majority of research focused on supporting NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter from Earth-based telescopes. Juno continues to perform remote and in-situ measurements of Jupiter's atmosphere and magnetosphere using state-of-the-art instrumentation but lacks mid-infrared instrumentation needed to sense its middle atmosphere. Mid-infrared observations were instead executed from Earth-based telescopes, which combined with Juno measurements, complete the vertical picture of Jupiter's dynamic… Show more Majority of research focused on supporting NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter from Earth-based telescopes. Juno continues to perform remote and in-situ measurements of Jupiter's atmosphere and magnetosphere using state-of-the-art instrumentation but lacks mid-infrared instrumentation needed to sense its middle atmosphere. Mid-infrared observations were instead executed from Earth-based telescopes, which combined with Juno measurements, complete the vertical picture of Jupiter's dynamic atmosphere. Responsibilities included proposing for time on telescopes at the Mauna Kea observatory in Hawaii, planning and executing observations to coincide with those of Juno, processing and analyzing the data using radiative transfer software and statistical tools, disseminating results at conferences and in journal publications. Show less

Oxford, United Kingdom

Radiative transfer simulations of the Martian atmosphere were performed to highlight the potential performance/sensitivity of a novel instrument technique (gas correlation radiometry) in detecting trace gases (such as methane).

Performed analyses of infrared spectroscopic data recorded by the Voyager and Cassini spacecraft to determine the temporal variability of Saturn's middle atmosphere. Large volumes of spacecraft infrared data were sorted and processed and then analyzed with radiative transfer inversion software to determine atmospheric information (temperature, composition) and their time evolution. Key discoveries include confirming the presence of seasonally-reversing Hadley circulation in Saturn's middle… Show more Performed analyses of infrared spectroscopic data recorded by the Voyager and Cassini spacecraft to determine the temporal variability of Saturn's middle atmosphere. Large volumes of spacecraft infrared data were sorted and processed and then analyzed with radiative transfer inversion software to determine atmospheric information (temperature, composition) and their time evolution. Key discoveries include confirming the presence of seasonally-reversing Hadley circulation in Saturn's middle atmosphere and that a wave-driven oscillation at its equator is quasi periodic. Results were published in scientific journals. Show less

Dphil Student, Atmospheric, Oceanic & Planetary Physics

Activities and Societies: MCR President, MCR Male Welfare Officer, Oxford University Symphonic Band, Lady Margaret Hall Boat Club, Oxford.

Mphys, Astrophysics, 1St

Activities and Societies: AstroSoc Observing Director, Mussoc Wind Orchestra