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

Late heavy bombardment

Astronomy; Planetary science

Term referring to the idea that a sharp increase in impact bombardment rate between about 3. 92 and 3. 85 billion years ago affected the inner Solar System--most notably recorded in the numerous ...

Potassium, rare-earth elements, phosphorus (KREEP)

Astronomy; Planetary science

A geochemical component in lunar rocks rich in potassium (K), rare-earth elements (REE), phosphorus (P), thorium, and other incompatible elements. These elements are not incorporated into common ...

Astronomical twilight

Astronomy; Planetary science

The time when the Sun is 12-18 degrees below the horizon. When the Sun moves from 19 to 18 degrees below the horizon, astronomers can begin to detect an increase in the brightness of the sky, ...

Mare basalt

Astronomy; Planetary science

Rocks making up the dark, smooth, mare areas of the Moon.

Stratigraphic column

Astronomy; Planetary science

A drawing showing the vertical sequence of rock. Geologists use this to interpret the relative sequence of past geological events.

The intensity of electromagnetic radiation (such as ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared, etc. ) across a range of wavelengths. A prism separates white light into the range of wavelengths we call ...

Pathfinder

Astronomy; Planetary science

The second in NASA's Discovery programme of low-cost spacecraft with highly focused science goals, Mars Pathfinder landed successfully on Mars on July 4, 1997. Images, science results, and ...