Mars atmosphere studied by Keansburg NJ man starting West Point course – Asbury Park Press

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Michael Flynn graduated college May 9, but he didnt quite finish. There isone more thing hes working on, and its significant.

The Keansburg 22-year-old is studying the atmosphere of Mars and coauthoring a research paper that could impact future exploration of the Red Planet.

Its his final project at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida,, from which he graduated with distinction after attending on a full scholarship through Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps).

One of our best students not only in the classroom but also in his work doing research, said Embry-Riddle professor John Hughes, chair of the universitys physics department. To have an undergraduate doing cutting-edge research thats going to get published, its a great thing for the student and something the university can be proud of.

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Thats not all. Later this month Flynn is attending the U.S. Armys "Air and Space Basic Course" at West Point. He is among the first ROTC cadets ever chosen to attend the exclusive two-week event.

Not bad for a kid who grew up curious about the night sky.

Flynn attended high school at Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) on Sandy Hook. There, as at Embry-Riddle, he made the most of his opportunities.

He has a combination of talent and work ethic, and thats a really good combination, Hughes said. Almost every time I walked into the lab, he was in there working.

This past semester Flynn was named was Embry-Riddles Outstanding Student in Space Physics, his major. He not only posted the majors highest grade-point average; his collaboration with physics professor Michael Hickey on the Mars project turned more than a few heads.

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Flynn and Hickey are studying the effect the planets ferocious sandstorms have on Martian atmosphere. Theyre looking at the gravity waves generated when the wind blows across four large mountains, including the gargantuan Olympus Mons. At 72,000 feet high two-and-a-half times taller than Mount Everest Olympus Mons is the solar systems biggest mountain.

They are hoping to publish their findings by summers end.

This is important if we want to travel to Mars, if we want to have satellites over Mars, just understanding the complexities of the atmosphere, Flynn explained.

Mapping these patters could help scientists anticipate huge fluctuations in temperature, wind speed and atmospheric density. That willbe vital for any attempt to send humans to Mars.

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Flynn can envision it.

I would say, from what Ive studied, that if you had the right shelter its possible, he said. There are cases of sandstorms with winds at certain locations that can actually become supersonic (above 760 mph) at specific heights. That could be dangerous. But if you had a strong enough shelter, it could be possible.

Before that, though, Flynn has some business closer to home.

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Were learning more about the red planet every day.

Buzz60, Buzz60

On May 8, Flynn was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He has a job lined up in the Armys cyber command. Training begins early next year in Georgia. An internship last summer gave him a glimpse of the work.

It was really eye-opening, he said. I cant talk about the specifics of everything I saw, but I was able to do a project that involved satellite communication systems and the different ways we can control satellite systems.

Thats where his heart lies.

Im really interested in satellite physics and satellite communication systems, Flynnsaid.

The ultimate gig? A post with Army Space Operations, which could be crucial tothe nations future defense. He must attain the rank of captain in order to apply, so thats a few years off. For now, hes building a resume and gaining experience. The upcoming course at West Point will add to it all.

I am really excited about this opportunity where I can apply what Ive learned to the Army, and take the knowledge the Army is going to give me and apply that for national defense, Flynn said. I feel like Ive been mostly prepared for it.

As far as Hughes is concerned, you can take the mostly out of that sentiment.

One thing Im quite sure of? the professor said. Hell be successful no matter where he ends up.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shores interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com.

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Mars atmosphere studied by Keansburg NJ man starting West Point course - Asbury Park Press