Coronavirus Information
Until further notice, the University of Arizona, in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages all employees to work remotely. Our offices in the Kuiper, Sonett, and Drake Buildings are closed to the public, but you can reach the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, Monday–Friday 8am-5pm, at 520-621-6963.
Explore Planetary and
Solar Systems Science at LPL
Welcome to the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
How the UA Guided Men to the Moon
The maps and images created by a small UA team at the start of the space race opened the door for lunar and planetary exploration 50 years ago.
Moon Maps, Lunar Origins and Everything Between
A theory for the origin of the moon germinated in the mind of a UA graduate student as he mapped the surface. The theory is still cited today as scientists continue to learn more about our celestial neighbor.
UArizona Cameras Capture Asteroid Close-Up During OSIRIS-REx Rehearsal
The spacecraft of the UArizona-led OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission executed a series of maneuvers that brought it within a mere 200 feet of its designated sampling location on the surface of Bennu.
Research Focus Areas
Pursuing interdisciplinary research spanning the breadth and depth of planetary science.
Theoretical Astrophysics
Theoretical Astrophysics
The Theoretical Astrophysics Program (TAP) is an interdisciplinary research program that includes the departments of Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Sciences, and Applied Mathematics, as well as the National Optical Astronomy Observatory.
Astrobiology
Astrobiology
Astrobiology is a vibrant field that focuses on the study of the origins, distribution and evolution of life in the...
Small Bodies
Small Bodies
LPL scientists study asteroids, comets, and meteorites using groundbased observations, spacecraft missions, and modeling techniques.
Planetary Analogs
Planetary Analogs
LPL scientists investigate surface processes to understand the history of terrestrial bodies in the Solar System.
Spacecraft Missions and Instrumentation
Exploring the Universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.
HiRISE (MRO)
HiRISE (MRO)
HiRISE, the high resolution imaging science experiment onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, is the most powerful camera ever sent to another planet.
OSIRIS-REx
OSIRIS-REx
LPL is home to the OSIRIS-REx mission. OSIRIS-Rex arrived at asteroid Bennu in 2018; it has begun to survey and map Bennu, navigating in close proximity to the asteroid, and will ultimately touch the surface for five seconds to gather a sample of the asteroid.
MAVEN
MAVEN
Mission goals for MAVEN include determining how the planet's atmosphere and water, presumed to have once been substantial, were lost over time.
Europa Clipper
Europa Clipper
Europa Clipper will perform repeated flybys of Jupiter’s moon and use a suite of instruments to investigate whether habitable environments could exist.
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.
UA SEDS
LPL hosts the University of Arizona Chapter of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space .
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.
Space Drafts
Space Drafts is Tucson’s flavor of Astronomy on Tap. Talks are held one Wednesday of every month at one of Tucson’s finest microbreweries, The Borderlands Brewing Company . Space Drafts is free and open to all ages (of humans and dogs alike).