"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."
Overview of the various sensors and measurement techniques used in planetary remote sensing, as well as the methods used to process and analyze data.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Understanding the different electromagnetic wavelengths of light and their interactions with matter is the foundation of remote sensing.
Radiometric Calibration: The process of converting raw detector signals into meaningful radiometric measurements requires understanding the calibration equations and instrument parameters.
Spectral Signatures: The reflectance or emission spectra of surface materials are unique and can be used to distinguish between different types of features in remote sensing data.
Image Processing: Techniques to manipulate and enhance remote sensing images include filtering, image registration, and classification.
Data Fusion: Combining different types of remote sensing data can provide more complete and accurate information about planetary surfaces.
Lidar: Light Detection and Ranging instruments use laser pulses to measure distances and create 3D maps of terrain.
Radar: Radar instruments use radio waves to penetrate surfaces and create images of subsurface structures and surface roughness.
Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging: These techniques capture reflected light at multiple wavelengths to provide information about surface properties and chemical composition.
Digital Elevation Models: Terrain models derived from remote sensing data are critical for understanding topography and surface features.
Machine Learning: Automated algorithms can be trained to recognize and classify features in remote sensing data, reducing the need for manual interpretation.
Planetary Geology: Understanding the geology and processes that shape planetary surfaces is essential for interpreting remote sensing data.
Atmospheric Effects: The boundaries between the surface and atmosphere can affect remote sensing measurements, requiring correction for atmospheric scattering and absorption effects.
Orbital Mechanics: Understanding the motion and positioning of spacecraft in orbit around a planetary body is essential for optimizing observation strategies and interpreting remote sensing data.
Instrument Design: The design and construction of remote sensing instruments can affect their performance and ability to capture accurate measurements.
Scientific Collaboration: Collaborating with other scientists and engineers is essential for maximizing the scientific return from remote sensing data and fostering innovation in instrument design and data analysis techniques.
Spectroscopy: Spectroscopy involves the analysis of electromagnetic radiation to identify and quantify the chemical composition of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
Imaging: Imaging instruments use different wavelengths of light to capture images of planetary surfaces, allowing scientists to study features such as craters, volcanoes, mountains, and valleys.
Radar: Radar instruments use radio waves to create images of planetary surfaces, allowing scientists to study features that are obscured by dust, clouds or other atmospheric conditions.
Lidar: Lidar instruments use laser beams to measure the distance between the instrument and planetary surfaces, providing detailed data on surface topography.
Magnetometers: Magnetometers measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields around a planet, providing information about the planet's interior structure and the presence of magnetic fields.
Seismometers: Seismometers record seismic waves on planetary surfaces, allowing scientists to study the interior of a planet and determine its composition and structure.
Thermal instruments: Thermal instruments measure the temperature of planetary surfaces, providing information about the planet's thermal properties, as well as the composition and properties of its atmosphere.
Spectral analysis: Spectral analysis involves using spectroscopy data to identify and quantify the chemical composition of planetary surfaces.
Image processing: Image processing techniques are used to enhance and analyze images of planetary surfaces, allowing scientists to study surface features in detail.
Computer modeling: Computer modeling techniques are used to simulate planetary processes and test hypotheses about planetary formation and evolution.
Data visualization: Data visualization techniques are used to create interactive 3D models of planetary surfaces, allowing scientists to explore and analyze data in a more intuitive way.
"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."