Planetary science or, more rarely, planetology, is the scientific study of planets (including Earth), moons, and planetary systems (in particular those of the Solar System) and the processes that form them. It studies objects ranging in size from micrometeoroids to gas giants, aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations and history. It is a strongly interdisciplinary field, originally growing from astronomy and earth science, but which now incorporates many disciplines, including planetary geology (together with geochemistry and geophysics), cosmochemistry, atmosPlanetary science or, more rarely, planetology, is the scientific study of planets (including Earth), moons, and planetary systems (in particular those of the Solar System) and the processes that form them. It studies objects ranging in size from micrometeoroids to gas giants, aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations and history. It is a strongly interdisciplinary field, originally growing from astronomy and earth science, but which now incorporates many disciplines, including planetary geology (together with geochemistry and geophysics), cosmochemistry, atmospheric science, oceanography, hydrology, theoretical planetary science, glaciology, and exoplanetology. Allied disciplines include space physics, when concerned with the effects of the Sun on the bodies of the Solar System, and astrobiology.
There are interrelated observational and theoretical branches of planetary science. Observational research can involve a combination of space exploration, predominantly with robotic spacecraft missions using remote sensing, and comparative, experimental work in Earth-based laboratories. The theoretical component involves considerable computer simulation and mathematical modelling.
Planetary scientists are generally located in the astronomy and physics or Earth sciences departments of universities or research centres, though there are several purely planetary science institutes worldwide. There are several major conferences each year, and a wide range of peer-reviewed journals....more
This is a group focused on reading, reviewing, and discussing books about Mars in science and sc…more
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This is a group focused on reading, reviewing, and discussing books about Mars in science and science fiction.
Two lists on Goodreads that provide examples of appropriate books are:
100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books set on or about Mars [https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/302.100_Science_Fiction_and_Fantasy_Books_set_on_or_about_Mars]
and
Best Popular Science Books About Mars Exploration [https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/46291.Best_Popular_Science_Books_About_Mars_Exploration]
The LPI Library collection contains more than 60,000 cataloged books, documents, maps and globes…more
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The LPI Library collection contains more than 60,000 cataloged books, documents, maps and globes, videos, and more than 100 current journals and newsletters. The subject emphasis of the collection is space science, astronomy, and geology.
