Planetary Science | U.S. Geological Survey
Source: https://www.usgs.gov/science/science-explorer/planetary-science
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Planetary Science | U.S. Geological Survey
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Planetary Science
The USGS and Artemis Mission Preparation
Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona
Learn more
Carolyn Shoemaker
A planetary science icon
Read about the legend
Gene Shoemaker
The Founder of USGS Astrogeology
Read about the Legend
Mars 2020 Mission
The Perseverance Rover Landing
Learn how USGS scientists made this landing possible
A Martian Mystery, Climate Change, and Rivers of Lava
What three new USGS maps reveal about Mars
Learn more
Working on Mars Time
A USGS scientist reflects on being a part of the Perseverance Rover team
Learn what it's like to work on a Mars rover mission
Arizona Dunes in the Eyes of Planetary Science
USGS scientists investigate how dune processes work on other planets
Learn more
Science
Science Explorer
Biology
Climate
Coasts
Energy
Environmental Health
Geology
Information Systems
Maps and Mapping
Methods and Analysis
Minerals
Natural Hazards
Ocean
Planetary Science
Science Technology
Water
Mission Areas
Programs
Regions
Science Centers
Observatories
Laboratories
Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Resources
Special Topics
Did you know the USGS also helps to explore the solar system? USGS scientists research other planetary bodies, and work with NASA to support planetary exploration throughout the solar system. Learn more about planetary science at the USGS below!
Planetary Science at the USGS
Planetary science is the study of planetary bodies beyond Earth. This includes planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. For over 60 years, planetary scientists at the USGS have worked with NASA to plan and complete missions, and use the data from those missions to better understand our solar system. USGS scientists work across many fields in planetary science - like studying how geologic processes work across the solar system, participating in rover missions, training astronauts to return to the Moon, making geologic maps of other planetary bodies, laboratory investigations of minerals and rocks, using computer modeling to simulate planetary processes, and processing mission data so other scientists can use it in their work.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Want to learn more about planetary science at the USGS? Check out these planetary science topics:
Planetary Science 101
Planetary Science 101
The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training
The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training
Using Earth to study space
Using Earth to study space
Planetary Mapping
Planetary Mapping
Threats from Space
Threats from Space
Planetary Data: Collection to Use
Planetary Data: Collection to Use
Was this page helpful?
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Planetary Science
The USGS and Artemis Mission Preparation
Testing Moon mission technologies in northern Arizona
Learn more
Carolyn Shoemaker
A planetary science icon
Read about the legend
Gene Shoemaker
The Founder of USGS Astrogeology
Read about the Legend
Mars 2020 Mission
The Perseverance Rover Landing
Learn how USGS scientists made this landing possible
A Martian Mystery, Climate Change, and Rivers of Lava
What three new USGS maps reveal about Mars
Learn more
Working on Mars Time
A USGS scientist reflects on being a part of the Perseverance Rover team
Learn what it's like to work on a Mars rover mission
Arizona Dunes in the Eyes of Planetary Science
USGS scientists investigate how dune processes work on other planets
Learn more
Science
Science Explorer
Biology
Climate
Coasts
Energy
Environmental Health
Geology
Information Systems
Maps and Mapping
Methods and Analysis
Minerals
Natural Hazards
Ocean
Planetary Science
Science Technology
Water
Mission Areas
Programs
Regions
Science Centers
Observatories
Laboratories
Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Resources
Special Topics
Did you know the USGS also helps to explore the solar system? USGS scientists research other planetary bodies, and work with NASA to support planetary exploration throughout the solar system. Learn more about planetary science at the USGS below!
Planetary Science at the USGS
Planetary science is the study of planetary bodies beyond Earth. This includes planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. For over 60 years, planetary scientists at the USGS have worked with NASA to plan and complete missions, and use the data from those missions to better understand our solar system. USGS scientists work across many fields in planetary science - like studying how geologic processes work across the solar system, participating in rover missions, training astronauts to return to the Moon, making geologic maps of other planetary bodies, laboratory investigations of minerals and rocks, using computer modeling to simulate planetary processes, and processing mission data so other scientists can use it in their work.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
View Media Details
Want to learn more about planetary science at the USGS? Check out these planetary science topics:
Planetary Science 101
Planetary Science 101
The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training
The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training
Using Earth to study space
Using Earth to study space
Planetary Mapping
Planetary Mapping
Threats from Space
Threats from Space
Planetary Data: Collection to Use
Planetary Data: Collection to Use
Was this page helpful?