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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
Meteoritics
Astronomy; Planetary science
The scientific study of meteorites to better understand the origin, geologic history and evolution of our Solar System.
Highlands
Astronomy; Planetary science
Oldest exposed areas on the surface of the Moon; extensively cratered, and chemically distinct from the maria.
Tektite
Astronomy; Planetary science
Tektites are small beads of silica glass that are usually black but can also be shades of brown or green. People used to think they came from the Moon, but now we know they are from the Earth. ...
Stellar nucleosynthesis
Astronomy; Planetary science
The naturally occurring nuclear reactions in stars that make the elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. See also supernova.
Pressure ridges
Astronomy; Planetary science
Long, narrow wavelike folds in the surface of lava flows; formed where lava may have buckled up against slower moving or stationary lava downstream.
Sol
Astronomy; Planetary science
A local day on a planet, defined by its period of rotation. On Mars, for example, a local day lasts 24 hours and 37 minutes. During the Mars Pathfinder mission, scientists began counting Sols with ...
Regmaglypt
Astronomy; Planetary science
Shallow depression, resembling a thumb print in clay, that is commonly seen on meteorites. Regmaglypts are formed by ablation from the surface by vortices of hot gas as a meteor falls through a ...
