Physics & planetary science

Dr. Elizabeth A. Silber

I combine theory, numerical modeling, and field observations to study shock waves, atmospheric entry, and the formation of impact craters on rocky and icy worlds.

Explore my research Selected publications

Senior R&D ScientistSandia National Laboratories

Adjunct Research ProfessorWestern University

About me

Impact crater terrain in low-angle light

Research themes

Impacts, from entry to crater.

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Infrasound &
shock waves

Using low-frequency sound to investigate energetic events and their passage through the atmosphere.

Meteors &
planetary defense

Characterizing atmospheric entry, fragmentation, and the energy released by extraterrestrial objects.

Impact crater
formation modeling

Using shock physics simulations to investigate how impacts shape rocky surfaces and icy worlds.

Sample return &
reentry observations

Studying returning spacecraft as opportunities to better understand natural meteors.

From a fleeting event
to a lasting observation.Selected research / 2024

Infrasound interpretation

Making sense of the signals.

A focused review of bolide infrasound explores the challenges of processing and interpreting acoustic observations, with case studies connecting measurement to physical understanding.

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