"Study as if you were to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow." Isidore of Seville 

Dr. Jake D. Turner

Research Associate

Department of Astronomy

Cornell University

he/him/his
jaketurner(at)cornell.edu
astrojaketurner(at)gmail.com

Follow along to discover the wonders of the universe!

Hello! My name is Jake Turner (he/him) and I'm currently a Research Associate at Cornell University and a member of the Carl Sagan Institute.

My research has focused on studying the magnetic fields, atmospheres, and orbital evolution of exoplanets. Recently, I've also become interested in SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) research. My other research interests include studying Titan's atmosphere/surface and the magnetosphere of Jupiter. My most notable research accomplishment was the first potential detection of an exoplanet in the radio (see video below), which has been a 50-year-long quest. Another career highlight has been as a science advisor for NASA's first radio telescope on the Moon (ROLSES).  

My research has been covered by many media outlets across the world. Most notably, my potential exoplanet radio detection was highlighted on NPR as one of 2020's best scientific discoveries. My hometown newspaper, The Huerfano World, also recently highlighted me as a 'Hometown Hero' due to my involvement in the NASA radio missions to the Moon (a very humbling and full circle moment). 

Alongside research, I am an active science communicator, mentor, and social justice advocate.

If you have an questions about astronomy or would like to discuss possible collaborations (e.g., research, outreach, consultant, art ideas, etc), please don’t hesitate to reach out!

An international team has just reported the first potential signs of radio emission from a planet beyond the solar system. The Carl Sagan Institute's Dr. Jake Turner, who led the research team, discusses the importance of this discovery with Dr. Ryan MacDonald. | Carl Sagan Institute

The ROLSES radio telescope is launching aboard the IM-1 lunar mission, informed by Cornell astronomer Jake Turner’s expertise in studying exoplanets via radio transmission. Aiming to help understand the effect of the lunar environment on future lunar surface radio observatories, this mission is a pathfinder for large lunar farside radio telescopes in the future. | Cornell University

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