"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 planets and their properties, including their formation, evolution, and surface features.
Astronomy: The study of celestial objects and phenomena, including galaxies, stars, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and black holes.
Geology: The study of the Earth's physical properties, structure, and processes, including rocks, minerals, fossils, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Physics: The study of matter, energy, and the behavior of particles and waves in the universe, including gravity, electromagnetic radiation, and nuclear reactions.
Chemistry: The study of the properties, composition, and behavior of substances, including elements, compounds, and minerals.
Meteorology: The study of weather patterns and atmospheric conditions, including climate, atmospheric dynamics, and the greenhouse effect.
Oceanography: The study of the properties and behavior of Earth's oceans, including currents, waves, tides, and marine life.
Biology: The study of living organisms and their interactions with their environment, including astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Planetary Science: The study of the structure, composition, and evolution of planets, including their atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors.
Astrogeology: The study of the geology of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, including their formation, history, and current state.
Celestial Mechanics: The study of the motions and orbits of celestial objects, including planets, moons, stars, and galaxies.
Remote Sensing: The study of the acquisition and analysis of data from sensors, instruments, and other devices to study Earth and other planets.
GIS: Geographic Information Science – the study of digital tools and techniques for analyzing spatial data. It is widely used in interdisciplinary research in planetary science.
Spectroscopy: The study of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter. It is used extensively in the analysis of planetary surfaces.
Impact Cratering: The study of the processes and effects of impact events on planets, including the formation of impact craters, shock metamorphism, and impact-generated debris.
Mineralogy: The study of minerals and their properties, including crystal structure, chemical composition, and physical properties.
Petrology: The study of the origin, composition, and structure of rocks, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Volcanology: The study of volcanoes, including their eruptions, ash clouds, lava flows, and associated hazards.
Geomorphology: The study of the form and evolution of landforms, including canyons, deltas, mountains, and valleys on planets and moons.
Astrochemistry: The study of the chemical processes that occur in the universe, including the formation of molecules and compounds in space.
Lunar Science: The study of the Moon, including its formation, geology, and history.
Geophysics: The study of the physical properties and processes of planets, including their internal structure, magnetic fields, gravity, seismic activity, and tectonics.
Geochemistry: The study of the chemical composition and processes of planets and their components, including rocks, minerals, and atmospheric gases.
Planetary Atmospheres: The study of the composition, structure, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres, including their climate, atmospheric circulation, and weather patterns.
Planetary Surfaces: The study of the physical and geological characteristics of planetary surfaces, including their topography, geology, mineralogy, and morphology.
Exoplanets: The study of planets outside of our solar system, including their formation, composition, and habitability.
Planetary Dynamics: The study of the orbits, gravitational interactions, and overall dynamics of planets and their satellites.
Planetary Magnetospheres: The study of the magnetic fields and plasma environments of planets and their moons.
Astrobiology: The study of the origins, distribution, and evolution of life in the universe, including the search for habitable environments and the development of life on other planets.
Planetary Exploration: The study of the unmanned and manned missions to explore and investigate the different planets in our solar system and beyond.
Planetary Remote Sensing: The study and interpretation of remote sensing data gathered from planetary missions and telescopic observations to study the composition and features of planetary surfaces, atmospheres, and magnetospheres.
"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."