Planetary Astronomy
About
The planets of the solar system, along with their satellite systems, are our only accessible example of the end state of planetary system development. Observational study of these worlds provides us insight into how systems of planets form, the role of migration, bombardment and stellar interaction in their evolution, and the range of potential sites of habitability. Planetary astronomy at LPL targets planets on multiple levels ranging from observations of surface features and composition, through the dynamic and chemical processes in their atmospheres, and ultimately to the interface of their magnetic and atmospheric interaction with the solar wind. These measurements are obtained from a combination of in situ robotic probes, a global network of ground and space-based observatories, and customized instrumentation developed by LPL scientists and engineers. The results are then interpreted in coordination with local laboratory based and theoretical facilities to improve our understanding of the solar neighborhood.
Faculty
Planetary Astronomy Faculty
Gilda Ballester
Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres
Caitlin Griffith
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Formation and Evolution, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar System
Pierre Haenecour
Astrobiology, Cosmochemistry, Planetary Astronomy, Small Bodies
Walter Harris
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies, Solar and Heliospheric Research
Robert (Bob) McMillan
Asteroid Surveys, Planetary Astronomy, Small Bodies
Ilaria Pascucci
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and Evolution
Vishnu Reddy
Cosmochemistry, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Surfaces, Small Bodies, Space Situational Awareness
George Rieke
Planetary Astronomy
Other Researchers
Planetary Astronomy Researchers
Arin Avsar
Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and Evolution
Jason Corliss
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies, Solar and Heliospheric Research
Erich Karkoschka
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar System
Lily Robinthal
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres
Stephen Schwartz
Orbital Dynamics, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Surfaces, Small Bodies, Space Situational Awareness
Jingyu Wang
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres
James Windsor
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres