Planetary sciences is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the formation, evolution, and current state of planets, moons, and smaller bodies within and beyond our Solar System using the methods of physics, chemistry, geology, and atmospheric science. It encompasses studies of planetary interiors, surfaces, atmospheres, magnetospheres, and ring systems, as well as orbital dynamics and interactions with stellar radiation and plasma environments. Planetary sciences integrates remote sensing, in situ spacecraft measurements, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling to constrain processes such as accretion, differentiation, tectonism, volcanism, impact cratering, climate evolution, and potential habitability on diverse planetary bodies.
This year's Lunar Planetary Science Conference (2025 LPSC) saw some truly astounding presentations and proposals. These covered a wide range of science and exploration missions that address the priorities of NASA, other space ...
Astrobiology
Apr 21, 2025
0
86
In a study co-authored by a Texas A&M University scientist, researchers have revealed new insights into the geological history of Mars's Jezero Crater, the landing site of NASA's Perseverance rover. Their findings suggest ...
Astrobiology
Apr 19, 2025
0
210
How can we successfully collect and return samples from Mercury and Venus to Earth? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference hopes to address as a pair of researchers from the ...
Space Exploration
Apr 16, 2025
0
45
Soil and rocks returned from the moon's mysterious far side suggest it may be drier than the side constantly facing Earth, Chinese scientists reported Wednesday.
Planetary Sciences
Apr 12, 2025
0
81
Are we alone in the universe? The answer to one of humanity's biggest questions is complicated by a basic reality: If there is life on other worlds, it may not look familiar. A sample of rocks from Mars or another planet ...
Astrobiology
Apr 10, 2025
1
89
What kind of mission would be best suited to sample the plumes of Saturn's ocean world, Enceladus, to determine if this intriguing world has the ingredients to harbor life? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th ...
Astrobiology
Apr 9, 2025
0
75
A mission will deliver rock and soil from Mars to laboratories on Earth in the 2030s. Mars Sample Return (MSR) is led by NASA with participation from the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission will allow scientists to use ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 7, 2025
0
124
How can Uranus be used to indirectly study its moons and identify if they possess subsurface oceans? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference hopes to address as a team of scientists ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 3, 2025
0
45
What can a sample return mission from Jupiter's volcanic moon, Io, teach scientists about planetary and satellite (moon) formation and evolution? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 1, 2025
0
43
NASA's Perseverance rover landed on Mars in 2021 to search for signs of ancient microbial life and to help scientists understand the planet's climate and geography. But another key objective is to pave the way for human exploration ...
Space Exploration
Mar 28, 2025
0
67
