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Explore Planetary and
Solar Systems Science at LPL
Welcome to the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
LPL in the Spotlight
Seismometers Re-designed by U of A Will Measure Moonquakes During a Future Artemis Mission
LPL researchers developed seismometers for NASA’s Lunar Environment Monitoring Station to capture seismic activity at the moon’s South Pole and assess sites for future human exploration and infrastructure.
Asteroid Bennu's Rugged Surface Baffled NASA. We Finally Know Why
In one of the biggest surprises of the OSIRIS-REx mission, its target asteroid, Bennu, turned out to be a jagged, rugged world covered in large boulders.
OSIRIS-APEX Spacecraft Takes Selfie with Earth During Flyby
The spacecraft of the U of A-led OSIRIS-APEX mission performed a "slingshot" maneuver around Earth as part of its journey to catch up with its mission target, asteroid Apophis.
Research Focus Areas
Pursuing interdisciplinary research spanning the breadth and depth of planetary science.
Spacecraft Missions and Instrumentation
Exploring the Universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.
Discover Planetary Sciences
Earn a Ph.D. with a major in Planetary Sciences.
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.
HiRISE
We have a simple philosophy: HiRISE is “the people’s camera” because we believe that knowledge about Mars belongs to everyone.
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.