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.
One of the great unsolved problems in modern planetary science is written on the surface of Mars. Mars has canyons that were carved by rivers, so it was once warm enough for liquid water. How—and why—did it become a barren ...
Planetary Sciences
Jul 2, 2025
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What methods can be used to identify subsurface oceans on the five largest moons of Uranus: Ariel, Umbriel, Titania and Oberon, and Miranda? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference ...
Space Exploration
Jun 27, 2025
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As humanity ventures deeper into space, one critical question looms large: how do we prevent Earth's microbes from contaminating other worlds? A new study published in Journal of The Royal Society Interface by Daniel J. Brener ...
Astrobiology
Jun 27, 2025
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The origin of life is one of the most fundamental and enduring questions of mankind and one of the three greatest Origin Questions in the natural sciences. Recently, China officially launched its Mars Sample Return (MSR) ...
Astrobiology
Jun 26, 2025
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What imaging systems can NASA's Artemis astronauts use on the moon to conduct groundbreaking science and efficient documentation on the lunar surface? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary ...
Space Exploration
Jun 25, 2025
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For years, astronomers have been searching for a mysterious ninth planet lurking in the dark outer reaches of our solar system. Now, a team of researchers have taken a completely different approach to this cosmic detective ...
Astronomy
Jun 20, 2025
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NASA's car-sized Perseverance rover has been roaming the surface of Mars for four years, drilling into the alien soil to collect dirt it places in tubes and leaves on the ground.
Space Exploration
Jun 18, 2025
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Better understanding the lunar lighting environment will help NASA prepare astronauts for the harsh environment Artemis III Moonwalkers will experience on their mission. NASA's Artemis III mission will build on earlier test ...
Space Exploration
Jun 17, 2025
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Astrophysicists have gained precious new insights into how distant exoplanets form and what their atmospheres can look like, after using the James Webb Telescope to image two young exoplanets in extraordinary detail. Among ...
Planetary Sciences
Jun 10, 2025
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When you are scheduled to participate in Science Operations for the rover's weekend plan, you know it's going to be a busy morning. Assembling the activities for Friday through Sunday (Sols 4556 through 4558) was no exception.
Planetary Sciences
Jun 4, 2025
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