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LPL was founded in 1960 by the eminent planetary astronomer, Gerard Kuiper. PtyS was founded in 1973. PtyS/LPL is dedicated to the common goal of understanding and teaching about the formation and evolution of the planetary system. Its faculty, research staff, and graduate student body are drawn from the diverse backgrounds of astronomy, chemistry, geology, physics, and engineering. Each field has its own culture, jargon, acronyms, and traditions which have been molded in Tucson into the multidisciplinary field of planetary science. This diversity of disciplines is what makes planetary science unique. The University of Arizona is one of the nation’s major research universities. PtyS/LPL has developed a well-deserved reputation for world class research and graduate education. The research enterprise is constituted of spacecraft missions, laboratory-based research, theory, and astronomical observations. PtyS/LPL is one of the most productive research organizations not only on campus, but in the nation. We are also a distinguished teaching department.PtyS/LPL teaches from the advanced graduate level through freshman general education courses. We use only tenure-track faculty in our classes, and generally receive strong course evaluations from students. PtyS/LPL also conducts significant programs helping public school grades K - 12. We host the Science and Mathematics Education Center (SAMEC). Likewise, the State of Arizona Space Grant Program, which is primarily focused on undergraduates, is hosted by PtyS/LPL. The accomplishments of our teaching, research, and professional outreach programs are a tribute to the extraordinary efforts of the faculty, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, backed up by an outstanding and highly motivated support staff. PtyS/LPL provides an invigorating intellectual climate for the pursuit of scholarly excellence. Michael J. Drake Head, Department of Planetary Sciences Director, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory |
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Department of Planetary Sciences Lunar and Planetary Laboratory 1629 E. University Blvd. Tucson AZ 85721 Copyright © 2008 Arizona Board of Regents |
