Dr. Billy Quarles, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at East Texas A&M University, was recently featured in an interview on the YouTube channel of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), one of the world's leading professional organizations dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics.

During the Feb. 15 episode, Quarles spoke with astrophysicist Dr. Frank Timmes about his research on the long-term stability of large moons orbiting planets outside our solar system. Timmes is a professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University and studies stellar evolution and the chemical origins of elements in the universe.

The discussion focused on findings highlighted in a recent East Texas A&M Today article exploring how planets in the habitable zones of M-dwarf stars—the most common stars in the galaxy—may struggle to retain large moons. Using advanced N-body simulations, Quarles' research examines how tidal forces and gravitational interactions can destabilize moon orbits over time. Because large moons can influence a planet's climate and tidal systems, the findings could affect how scientists estimate the number of potentially habitable worlds in the universe.

At East Texas A&M, the Department of Physics and Astronomy offers students opportunities to study astrophysics, stellar systems and planetary science while participating in hands-on research and observational projects. The department also provides access to telescope networks and observatory facilities that support student and faculty research in astronomy and physics.