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Explore Planetary and
Solar Systems Science at LPL
Welcome to the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
LPL in the Spotlight
Newly Discovered 'Kiss and Capture' Mechanism Explains the Formation of Pluto and Its Largest Moon
By Niranjana Rajalakshmi, University Communications - January 6, 2025 Billions of years ago, in the frigid outer reaches of our
U of A Scientists Have Their Eyes on Europa, Jupiter's Mysterious, Icy Moon
The largest spacecraft to ever explore the solar system, NASA's Europa Clipper, will orbit Jupiter and make 49 planned flybys of its moon Europa to study the moon's icy shell and help researchers better understand what lies beneath.
Snow4Flow: Studying Glaciers From Arizona
Snow4Flow is a new University of Arizona-led NASA mission to study arctic glaciers using advanced radar mounted on low-flying aircraft. Captained by Jack Holt, a professor at the University of Arizona’s Lunar & Planetary Lab, the mission’s goal is to improve climate modeling and to better understand glacial loss and its impact on sea level rise.
Research Focus Areas
Pursuing interdisciplinary research spanning the breadth and depth of planetary science.
Spacecraft Missions and Instrumentation
Exploring the Universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.
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.
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.
HiRISE
We have a simple philosophy: HiRISE is “the people’s camera” because we believe that knowledge about Mars belongs to everyone.