Planetary science

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.

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 ...