planetology
Science of worlds
Planetology is the scientific study of planets—their formation, composition, atmospheres, and geological features.
The field encompasses planets in our solar system and exoplanets orbiting distant stars.
Planetology draws on astronomy, geology, and atmospheric science: The Mars rovers have advanced planetology significantly.
Also called planetary science.
Curved celestial path
- gas giantHydrogen-helium planetary body
- terrestrialRelating to land
- NeptuneEighth planet or sea deity
- JupiterLargest solar system planet
Saturn · Uranus · Mars · Venus · Mercury · Pluto · habitable zone · ice giant
Study of crustal deformation
- volcanismSubterranean magma expulsion process
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- strataParallel geological layers
- erosionGradual wearing away
minerals · crystals · faults · sediment · basalt · seismic · metamorphic · igneous
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
- spectroscopyStudy of light-matter interaction
- orbital mechanicsScience of celestial motion
- space probeRobotic interplanetary research vessel
flyby · orbiter · radio astronomy · infrared imaging · magnetometry · mass spectrometry · Hubble · James Webb
Gathering data without contact
- terrainLand's physical features
- cratersImpact-formed depressions
- canyonsDeep, narrow valleys
- polar ice capsFrozen regions at Earth's extremes
dunes · maria · highlands · scarps · albedo · rovers · topography · Olympus Mons
Detectable signs of life
- habitabilitySuitability for dwelling
- extremophilesOrganisms surviving extreme conditions
- exobiologyStudy of cosmic life
- habitable zoneRegion allowing liquid water
microbial life · biomarkers · panspermia · hydrothermal vents · organic molecules · Goldilocks zone · water ice
Simulating long-term atmospheric behavior
- greenhouse effectAtmospheric heat retention mechanism
- cloud layersDistinct horizontal vapor bands
- storm systemsOrganized areas of precipitation
- windsMoving air masses
pressure · composition · haze · methane · ammonia · carbon dioxide · nitrogen · sulfuric acid
Growth through external addition
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- solar nebulaGas cloud forming stars
- outgassingReleasing trapped gas
- coalescenceUniting into one mass
orbit
Curved celestial path
- gas giantHydrogen-helium planetary body
- terrestrialRelating to land
- NeptuneEighth planet or sea deity
Jupiter · Saturn · Uranus · Mars · Venus · Mercury · Pluto · habitable zone · ice giant · moon
tectonics
Study of crustal deformation
- volcanismSubterranean magma expulsion process
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- strataParallel geological layers
erosion · minerals · crystals · faults · sediment · basalt · seismic · metamorphic · igneous · geomorphology
telescope
Instrument magnifying faraway objects
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
- spectroscopyStudy of light-matter interaction
- orbital mechanicsScience of celestial motion
space probe · flyby · orbiter · radio astronomy · infrared imaging · magnetometry · mass spectrometry · Hubble · James Webb
remote sensing
Gathering data without contact
polar ice caps · dunes · maria · highlands · scarps · albedo · rovers · topography · Olympus Mons
biosignatures
Detectable signs of life
- habitabilitySuitability for dwelling
- extremophilesOrganisms surviving extreme conditions
- exobiologyStudy of cosmic life
habitable zone · microbial life · biomarkers · panspermia · hydrothermal vents · organic molecules · Goldilocks zone · water ice
climate modeling
Simulating long-term atmospheric behavior
- greenhouse effectAtmospheric heat retention mechanism
- cloud layersDistinct horizontal vapor bands
- storm systemsOrganized areas of precipitation
winds · pressure · composition · haze · methane · ammonia · carbon dioxide · nitrogen · sulfuric acid · dust storms
accretion
Growth through external addition
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- solar nebulaGas cloud forming stars
- outgassingReleasing trapped gas
planetologygeology
Study of Earth's composition
geophysics · earth science · geoscience · geography · oceanography