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Explore Planetary and
Solar Systems Science at LPL

Welcome to the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory

LPL in the Spotlight

Tarantula Nebula

U of A Earns Top Marks in Space Science, Geosciences, Water Resources in New US News Global Ranking

The U of A earned its best ranking in the space science category, rising four spots to No. 4 globally and No. 2 among U.S. public universities.

3I/ATLAS comet image

U of A's Mars Camera Gets Close Look at Comet from Interstellar Space

HiRISE, a LPL-led Mars imaging camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, found itself closer than any other imaging tool to comet 3I/ATLAS as it passed through the solar system.

3I/ATLAS Discovery

An Emissary from Interstellar Space

Discovered only a week ago, comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third known visitor from outside the solar system. LPL's Catalina Sky Survey Director Carson Fuls explains what makes the comet special - and why we can only guess where it came from.

Hold the Date

3:45 – 4:45 p.m., April 7, 2026

LPL Colloquium: Dr. Benjamin Sharkey

3:45 – 4:45 p.m., April 14, 2026

LPL Colloquium: Dr. Steve Desch

3:45 – 4:45 p.m., April 21, 2026

LPL Colloquium: Dr. Veronica Bray

Research

Research Focus Areas

Pursuing interdisciplinary research spanning the breadth and depth of planetary science.

View All Research Areas

Missions

Spacecraft Missions and Instrumentation

Exploring the Universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.

View All Current Missions

Discover Planetary Sciences

Earn a Ph.D. with a major in Planetary Sciences.

The LPL graduate students, 2021

Apply to the Graduate Program

Graduate Program

The Department of Planetary Sciences offers multidisciplinary programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in planetary sciences.

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Planetary Sciences offers an undergraduate minor in Planetary Sciences.

Astrobiology Minor

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that combines astronomy, geology, biology and chemistry.

Public Education and Outreach

Faculty, staff, and students engage with diverse communities.

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter is an exceptional science learning facility located at Steward Observatory's "sky island" observing site. The SkyCenter builds upon the uniqueness of the 9,157 foot summit of Mt. Lemmon and the extensive knowledge base at the University of Arizona to deliver educational programs.

Arizona/NASA Space Grant

Arizona/NASA Space Grant Consortium, headquartered at LPL, contributes to the nation's science enterprise by implementing research, education and public service

The Art of Planetary Science (TAPS)

The Art of Planetary Science is an annual art exhibition run by UA's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory that celebrates the beauty and elegance of science.