6 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
Near-infrared mapping spectrometer (NIMS)
Astronomy; Planetary science
An instrument carried to Jupiter on the Galileo planetary spacecraft, imaging in regions of the energy spectrum that humans cannot see. NIMS website at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Angrite
Astronomy; Planetary science
A type of achondrite meteorite consisting of pyroxene, olivine, and plagioclase.
Carbon
Astronomy; Planetary science
An element with atomic number 6; symbol: C. Graphite is a low-pressure form of carbon. Diamond is a high-pressure form of carbon. (Carbon is one of the four elements essential for life. The others ...
Photosynthesis
Astronomy; Planetary science
The process by which plants convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, using sunlight as the source of energy and the aid of chlorophyll.
Astronomical unit (AU)
Astronomy; Planetary science
The mean Earth-Sun distance, equal to 149. 5 million kilometres or 93 million miles.
S-process
Astronomy; Planetary science
The buildup of heavy isotopes inside massive stars by the slow (hence the use of "s") absorption of neutrons by atomic nuclei. See also r-process and supernova.
Fractional crystallisation
Astronomy; Planetary science
Geochemical and physical processes that result in the sequential formation and separation of minerals from a melt. The residual magma changes in composition and becomes enriched in incompatible ...
