"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."
It is the study of the planets, moons, and other planetary bodies in our solar system, as well as their history and formation.
Astronomy Basics: Understanding the basics of astronomy, including the structure of the universe, the electromagnetic spectrum, distance measures, and celestial coordinates.
Planetary Formation and Evolution: Theories and processes of planetary formation including accretion, differentiation, and planetary evolution.
Planetary Surfaces: The physical and chemical processes that shape planetary surfaces, including impact cratering, volcanism, erosion, and tectonics.
Atmospheres and Climate: The study of planetary atmospheres and how they interact with the planet's surface, including climate modeling and the greenhouse effect.
Missions and Exploration: A history of planetary exploration and current space missions, including the science goals, instrumentation, and data analysis.
Planetary Interiors: The study of the internal structure and composition of planets, including seismic studies and planetary magnetic fields.
Planetary Magnetospheres and Radiation Belts: The study of planetary magnetospheres and their interaction with the solar wind, including radiation belts and auroras.
Minor Bodies: The study of asteroids, comets, and other small bodies in the solar system, including their formation and evolution and their potential as resources for human exploration.
Exoplanets: The study of planets outside our solar system, including detection methods, planetary properties, and the search for habitable planets.
Astrobiology: The study of life in the universe, including the origin and evolution of life, habitable environments, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
"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."