In 1960, Gerard P. Kuiper founded the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) in a tiny corner of the top floor of the University of Arizona’s Atmospheric Sciences Building, staffing the new laboratory with young scientists, many of whom became prominent in the field in the coming decades.
Fifty years later, many of LPL’s original founders are still active in the field of planetary science, and LPL has remained at the forefront of planetary studies, conducting research through astronomical observations, theoretical studies, spacecraft, and the studies of samples from space.
During the 50th anniversary year, we held a series of events, including special public events, lectures by some of the alumni, and an anniversary weekend for those who have passed through LPL.
This site features interviews with many people who were a part of LPL’s first 50 years.
Timothy D. Swindle
Professor of Planetary Sciences
Department Head
Resources
LPL Anniversary Symposium Lectures (PDF)
Anniversary Banquet Speech: Dale Cruikshank (MP4, 20 min., 40MB)
Shared Memories
John Spencer, graduate student at LPL from 1980 - 1987, has shared these pictures of his time here.
Clark Chapman writes: I flew out to Tucson in late June 1962, stayed in the old Pioneer Hotel downtown, then put on my suit, and walked to campus, all the way to Steward Observatory on the far east side of campus, past all the empty fields... (More)
Stephen J. Shawl writes: My association with LPL is a peripheral one, but one that tells of an organization, and a person, who made a significant difference in the life of a graduate student... (More)