Using satellites and robotic spacecraft, Adriana analyzes rocks on planets, moons, and other solid bodies in space to learn their history and formation. By studying the properties of rocks—their chemistry, scars, colors, and textures—Adriana works to unlock the mysteries of our Solar System's geological past.

An asteroid slammed into Phobos (one of the moons of Mars), making this massive dent.

Of all the solid bodies in space Adriana has studied, she has spent the most time on the rocks of Mars. Her focus is on impact craters, the holes created when space objects crash into planets and moons. Adriana examines crater formations and the blasted-out rocks (ejecta) to reconstruct an impact event.

Adriana looks at rocks on planet Earth, too. In fact, she helped find the massive "Crater of Doom," formed by a comet or asteroid that hit Earth 65 million years ago, probably killing off the dinosaurs.