7 Terms
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Planetary science
The scientific study of planets including Earth, moons, and planetary systems of the Solar System in particular and the processes that form them.
Industry: Astronomy
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Planetary science
R-process
Astronomy; Planetary science
The buildup of heavy isotopes inside massive stars by the rapid (hence the use of "r") absorption of neutrons by atomic nuclei. See also s-process and supernova.
Thin section
Astronomy; Planetary science
A thin slice or rock, usually only 30 micrometres thick. Thin sections are used to study rocks with a microscope.
Orange soil
Astronomy; Planetary science
On the Moon, a mixture of very small dark orange and black glass balls which formed from quickly cooled lava droplets during a pyroclastic eruption.
Latitude
Astronomy; Planetary science
The angular distance North or South from the Earth's equator measured in degrees on the meridian of a point; Equator being 0° and the poles 90° N and 90° S.
Peridotite
Astronomy; Planetary science
A course-grained igneous rock consisting largely of the mineral olivine.
Perihelion
Astronomy; Planetary science
Point in the elliptical orbit of a comet about the Sun in which it passes closest to the Sun.
