Rate My Professor Phil Christensen

Arizona State University

Geoscience Space Science Geology Remote Sensing Geophysics Astronomy

4.5

2 reviews · out of 5

Rate Phil

Is this you? Claim this profile

Ratings & reviews

5.01/5/2026

A true gem in the academic community.

4.06/27/2025

Helps students see the bigger picture.

Taught by or worked with Phil?

Add your rating. It takes about 30 seconds.

About Phil

Philip R. Christensen is a Regents’ Professor of Geological Sciences and the Ed and Helen Korrick Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, specializing in Space Science. He earned his B.S. in Geology from the University of California in 1976 and his Ph.D. in Geophysics and Space Physics from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1981. Christensen's research centers on the composition, physical properties and processes, and morphology of planetary surfaces, with particular emphasis on Mars and Earth. He utilizes infrared spectroscopy, radiometry, laboratory spectroscopic measurements, field observations, and numerical modeling. His fieldwork spans sites in the western United States, Hawaii, Mexico, and South America. Since the mid-1990s, he has leveraged spacecraft observations to investigate environmental and urban development challenges on Earth.