Jupiter Hansen (Cheng)
Assistant Professor
- hhansen2@ua.edu
- (205) 348-9437
- 1037 Bevill Building
- Website
Education
- B.S., Earth Sciences (Geology), University of Hong Kong, 2017
- M.Phil., Earth Sciences (Geology), University of Hong Kong, 2019
- Ph.D., Geology, University of Georgia, 2023
Research Areas
- Geophysics, Tectonics, & Structural Geology
- Planetary Science
I am a structural geologist and planetary scientist whose research focuses on tectonics and deformation across planetary bodies in the Solar System, from Mercury to Pluto. My research explores the complex interactions among geological processes that shape planetary surfaces and interiors, using a combination of fieldwork, remote sensing, numerical modeling, and rock mechanics to investigate planetary evolution. I specialize in fracture mechanics and tectonic processes on low-gravity small bodies, including the formation of large-scale troughs on Vesta, and how these processes differ from those on larger terrestrial bodies, such as the mixed-mode Koaʻe Fault Zone in Hawaiʻi. Asteroid 32027 Jupitercheng was named in recognition of my research in asteroid science. Other research interests include polygonal impact craters and pit crater chains across planetary bodies, as well as the early tectonic evolution of the terrestrial planets.
Visit https://jupiterhansen.com/ for details on research projects, teaching, outreach, and a complete publication list.
- GEO 104 - Hazardous Earth
- GEO 201 - Foundations of Earth Science
For a full and updated list, please see https://jupiterhansen.com/publication.
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Cheng, H. C. J. (2026) Polygonal Impact Craters on Planetary Surfaces – A Review. Icarus, 117126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2026.117126
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Cheng, H. C. J., Klimczak, C., and Matsuyama, I. (2025) Reorientation and despinning on Vesta formed the Divalia Fossae. Science Advances, 11 (26). https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.ads7984
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Cheng, H. C. J., Mrazek, J., and Klimczak, C. (2025) The Transition from Jointing to Faulting observed at the Koe’a Fault System, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 130, e2024JB030416. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JB030416
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Cheng, H. C.J., and Klimczak, C. (2025) Tectonic patterns on Vesta and Ceres revealed by polygonal impact craters. Icarus, 433, 116528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116528
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Yazıcı, I. S., Cheng, H. C. J., Crane, K. T., and Klimczak, C. (2024) Fracture patterns on Mercury revealed by polygonal impact craters. Journal of MAPS, 20(1), 2308687. https://doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2024.2308687
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Cheng, H. C. J., and Klimczak, C. (2022). Structural relationships in and around the Rheasilvia basin on Vesta. Journal of Structural Geology, 161, 104677. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JE007130
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Cheng, H. C. J., and Klimczak, C. (2022). Large-scale troughs on Asteroid 4 Vesta accommodate opening-mode displacement. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 127, e2021JE007130. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JE007130
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Cheng, H. C. J., Klimczak, C., and Fassett, C. I. (2021). Age relationships of large-scale troughs and impact basins on Vesta. Icarus, 366, 114512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2021.114512