"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."
Study of planets, moons, asteroids and comets in our solar system.
The Solar System: An overview of the Sun and the planets, their sizes, distances from one another and the planets' characteristics.
The formation of the Solar System: Entail the nebular hypothesis, the protoplanetary stage, and the role of early solar system instability.
The atmosphere of planets: The layers, composition, and processes in the atmospheres of the planets.
Planetary surfaces: The internal and external processes that shape planetary surfaces, including volcanism, tectonics, and impact cratering.
Planetary geology: Examination of the geologic characteristics of the planets, including their rocks, minerals, and geological structures.
Planetary magnetism: The generation and effect of magnetic fields on the rocky and gas giant planets.
Exoplanets: Analysis of discovery, detection, and study of planets orbiting stars other than the Sun.
Space exploration: Implies the methods and instruments used to explore the planets, satellites, and other celestial bodies.
Astrobiology: Scrutinizes the possibility and existence of life on other planets and the methods of detection.
Astrophysics: An overview of the methods of astronomical observation and measurement used to study planets and their stars.
Cosmology: Examination of the universe's origin, structure, and evolution.
Planetary climate: The impact of planetary temperature variation and atmospheric composition on climate.
Planetary systems: Studying the nature and formation of planetary systems beyond our own.
Planetary rings: An overview of the nature of planetary ring systems and their formation.
Meteors and meteorites: Insight into the origin, formation, and composition of meteoroids, meteorites and space debris.
Gravitational interactions and orbital mechanics: Understanding the dynamics and orbits of the planets and other celestial objects.
Planetary research methodologies: Analysis of the research methods employed in planetary science, including remote sensing and laboratory studies.
Planetary missions: Study of planetary exploration objectives, methods of government funding and support for space missions.
Planetary materials analysis: Examination of the material composition of planets and other celestial objects through laboratory studies and sample collection.
Galilean satellites: An overview of the characteristics and exploration of Jupiter's four major moons.
Dwarf planets and small satellites: Study of the smaller objects in the Solar System, including comets, asteroids, and dwarf planets.
Geological history: A study of the geologic record of planets, and how it can be used to derive scientific models about their formation and evolution.
Geometries and coordinate systems: An overview of the different coordinate systems used in astronomical and planetary science that are essential for making measurements of celestial objects.
Oceanic and exo-oceanic bodies: An overview of the features, characteristics, and potential for supporting life in oceanic and exo-oceanic bodies, such as Europa and Enceladus.
History of planetary science: A historical overview of the development of scientific inquiry into planetary science, from ancient philosophical traditions to the present day.
Climate change: Analysis of environmental stability within the Solar System and the factors that affect a planet's climate over time.
Planetary system formation: Examination of the processes that lead to the formation of planetary systems, including core accretion, gravitational instability, and disk formation.
Planetary science and society: The impact of planetary science on society and how science and society interact with each other.
Planetary Geology: The study of the geological processes, properties, and evolution of planetary bodies, including their surfaces, interiors, and atmospheres.
Planetary Astronomy: The study of the physical properties and behavior of planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and other small bodies in our Solar System and beyond.
Astrochemistry: The study of the chemical composition, reactions, and processes that occur within planetary atmospheres and surfaces.
Planetary Magnetism: The study of the magnetic fields of planets and moons, and how they are generated and sustained.
Planetary Astrobiology: The study of the origins, distribution, and evolution of life in the Universe, with a particular focus on the habitability of planets and moons.
Planetary Dynamics: The study of the motions and interactions of celestial bodies in our Solar System, including their orbits, tides, and gravitational fields.
Planetary Atmospheres: The study of the structure, composition, and dynamics of planetary atmospheres, including the effects of solar radiation, weather patterns, and climate change.
Planetary Remote Sensing: The use of telescopes, satellites, and other remote sensing techniques to study the physical and chemical properties of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
Planetary Formation: The study of the processes that led to the formation of planets and moons, including the accretion of dust and gas, collisions, and differentiation.
Planetary Exploration: The study and exploration of other worlds through the use of robotic and human missions, with the goal of understanding their geological, atmospheric, and magnetic properties.
"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."