SwRI’s Glein selected to give AGU Carl Sagan Lecture

(Press-News.org) SAN ANTONIO — September. 24, 2025 — The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has selected Southwest Research Institute’s Dr. Christopher Glein to present the Carl Sagan Lecture at its Fall meeting. He will present “Seafaring in Space: A Personal Voyage to Enceladus,” discussing the Saturn moon with a deep ocean beneath its frozen surface, offering some of the most compelling evidence of habitability in our solar system.

AGU, the world’s largest Earth and space science association, celebrates individuals and teams through its annual Honors and Recognition program for their accomplishments in research, education, science communication and outreach. The Carl Sagan Lecture is presented annually and recognizes a scientist who embodies the late Carl Sagan’s interest in astrobiology as well as his effective science communication skills.

“NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn, which launched in 1997, was our first great expedition to the outer solar system of the 21st century,” said Glein, an SwRI geochemist specializing in planetary science and astrobiology. “Cassini discovered that there is not only liquid water, but a vast ocean under the icy crust of Enceladus.”

Cassini discovered that Enceladus’ ocean erupts into space, forming a towering plume above its south pole known as “Cold Faithful.” The plume’s constant activity bears a striking resemblance to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. The Cassini spacecraft flew through the plume several times, “tasting” and “smelling” its chemical composition using mass spectrometers.

“We found that Enceladus is not just an ocean world, but it is also a habitable world,” Glein said. “Its ocean contains organic molecules, other key nutrients needed to construct life including phosphorus, and chemical disequilibria that could power microbes such as methanogens. It would be a great place for life.”

Glein has pioneered diverse geochemical approaches for understanding the origin, evolution and habitability of the outer solar system. He is one of the forefathers of a new field of astro-oceanography. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Washington and a doctorate in geological sciences from Arizona State University. He has contributed to 82 peer-reviewed papers, including 17 as the first author.

He joins a distinguished group of scientists, leaders and communicators recognized by AGU for advancing science. Each honoree reflects AGU’s vision for a thriving, sustainable and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation and action.

“Carl Sagan was one of my heroes. He opened up the cosmos to me and countless others. To be associated with him is a dream come true,” said Glein. “I am grateful to AGU for this recognition and the opportunity to share how space exploration has impacted my life. I hope that I can help the next generation follow their dreams.”

Honorees will be recognized at AGU2025, which will convene in New Orleans, Dec. 15-19, 2025. Reflecting the theme “Where Science Connects Us at AGU25,” the Honors Reception will recognize groundbreaking achievements that illustrate science’s continual advancement, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.

For more information, visit https://www.swri.org/markets/earth-space/space-research-technology/space-science/planetary-science.

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