LPL’s Mission
The Department of Planetary Sciences/Lunar and Planetary Laboratory is an academic institution that pursues scholarly research and education across the broad discipline of planetary and solar systems science through use of theoretical studies and data analysis, laboratory and field investigations, numerical modeling, telescopic observations, remote sensing, spacecraft instrumentation, and space mission development and operations.
Message from the Director
Welcome to the University of Arizona’s Department of Planetary Sciences (PtyS) and Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL). The University of Arizona is one of the nation’s best research universities, annually ranking among the top in the nation in external financial support for research in the physical sciences.
Focus on Research
In 1985, The University of Arizona consolidated its traditional and long-standing strength in astronomy and planetary sciences through an interdisciplinary program in theoretical astrophysics that involves the Physics, Astronomy, Planetary Sciences (LPL) and Applied Mathematics Departments and NOAO. The Theory program administers a Monday colloquium series, graduate student research and recruitment prizes, a postdoctoral fellowship, and a visitor program.