"It is the scientific study of planets (including Earth), celestial bodies (such as moons, asteroids, comets) and planetary systems (in particular those of the Solar System) and the processes of their formation."
The study of the physical and chemical properties of planets, their atmospheres, and their satellites. Topics may include planetary evolution, planetary surfaces, and the search for life in the solar system and beyond.
Astronomy basics: Understanding the history of astronomy and celestial movements, including the study of stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
Planetary formation: This involves the study of the formation, evolution, and differentiation of planets, including their internal and external structure.
Planetary atmospheres: Understanding the structure and composition of the atmospheres of planets, including the study of weather and climate.
Planetary surfaces: This involves the study of the surface features, geology, and mineralogy of planets.
Planetary moons: Understanding the characteristics of planetary moons, including their formation, surface features, and geology.
Astrobiology: The study of the origins, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe, including the search for life on other planets.
Exoplanets: The study of planets beyond our solar system, including their discovery, characterization, and potential habitability.
Space exploration: Understanding the different missions and technologies used in the exploration of planets and other celestial bodies.
Gravity: The fundamental force that governs the movement and behavior of all celestial bodies, including the study of gravitational waves and black holes.
Solar system formation: Understanding the processes that led to the formation of our solar system, including the study of the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud.
Asteroids and comets: Understanding the characteristics and behavior of asteroids and comets, including their origins, composition, and potential impact on Earth.
Planetary magnetospheres: This involves the study of the magnetic fields of planets and other celestial bodies, including their interaction with the solar wind.
Spectroscopy: The study of the interaction of light and matter, including the use of spectroscopy to analyze the composition of planetary atmospheres and surfaces.
Planetary resources: The study of the potential resources that can be found on other planets and how they can be utilized.
Planetary protection: The measures taken to protect celestial bodies from contamination due to human exploration and activity.
Planetary geodesy: Understanding the shape, rotation, and gravitational fields of planets, including the use of satellites and other observational methods.
Planetary science instrumentation: Understanding the technology and tools used in planetary science research, including telescopes, rovers, and other specialized equipment.
Planetary simulations: Using computer models to simulate planetary behavior and evolution, including the study of climate change on other planets.
Planetary dust: Understanding the behavior and characteristics of dust particles on planets and other celestial bodies, including their role in shaping planetary environments.
Geocentric and heliocentric models: Understanding the different models used to explain the structure and motion of the solar system, including geocentric and heliocentric models.
Planetary Geology: This type of planetary science focuses on the study of the physical characteristics and geological features of planets and their moons.
Astrobiology: Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe, including its detection and biochemistry.
Planetary Atmospheres: This type of planetary science deals with the study of the composition, structure, dynamics, and evolution of planetary atmospheres.
Planetary Magnetism: Planetary magnetism is the study of planetary magnetic fields, their origin, dynamics, and interaction with the surrounding space environment.
Planetary Interior: This type of planetary science focuses on the study of the internal structure, composition, dynamics, and evolution of planets and their moons.
Planetary Surfaces: Planetary surface science is the study of the physical and chemical properties, as well as the geologic history of the surfaces of planets and their moons.
Planetary Dynamics: Planetary dynamics deals with the study of the orbits, rotations, and other motion of planets and their moons, as well as the effects of gravitational forces.
Planetary Remote Sensing: This type of planetary science involves the use of telescopes, remote sensing instruments, and other technologies to study the morphology, composition, and processes of planets.
Planetary Astrochemistry: Planetary astrochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and reactions that occur on planets and their moons.
Comparative Planetology: Comparative planetology is the study of the similarities and differences between planets and their moons, with a focus on understanding the processes that shape and govern the evolution of planetary systems.
"It studies objects ranging in size from micrometeoroids to gas giants."
"Aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations, and history."
"It is a strongly interdisciplinary field...planetary geology, cosmochemistry, atmospheric science, physics, oceanography, hydrology, theoretical planetary science, glaciology, and exoplanetology."
"It originally grew from astronomy and Earth science."
"Allied disciplines include space physics, when concerned with the effects of the Sun on the bodies of the Solar System, and astrobiology."
"Observational research can involve combinations of space exploration, predominantly with robotic spacecraft missions using remote sensing, and comparative, experimental work in Earth-based laboratories."
"The theoretical component involves considerable computer simulation and mathematical modeling."
"Planetary scientists are generally located in the astronomy and physics or Earth sciences departments of universities or research centers."
"Yes, they generally study one of the Earth sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or physics at the graduate level and concentrate their research in planetary science disciplines."
"There are several purely planetary science institutes worldwide."
"Some planetary scientists work at private research centers and often initiate partnership research tasks."
"There are several major conferences each year."
"There is a wide range of peer-reviewed journals."
"Planetary geology, cosmochemistry, atmospheric science, physics, oceanography, hydrology, theoretical planetary science, glaciology, and exoplanetology."
"Yes, Earth is included in the study of planetary science."
"[Planetary science] aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations, and history."
"It studies objects ranging in size from micrometeoroids to gas giants."
"...astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or physics."
"Astrobiology is an allied discipline of planetary science, focusing on the search for life beyond Earth."