Planetary Atmospheres

The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory has a strong background in the study of planetary and satellite atmospheres. Since the pioneering days of Gerard Kuiper, atmospheres have been an integral part of the research program at LPL. Faculty and staff have been involved in most major space missions that have targeted planetary and satellite atmospheres in the solar system. They have served in leadership roles and participated in instrument development, management as well as the analysis and interpretation of the science results. While prior research focused on the solar system, the department is now also actively involved in the study of extrasolar planet atmospheres. LPL scientists benefit from knowledge gained over decades of detailed solar system studies and apply it to explain new discoveries on extrasolar planets.

Current research into planetary and satellite atmospheres at LPL includes many aspects of solar system and extrasolar planets. LPL scientists are analyzing data and developing models to characterize the atmospheres of Venus, Earth and Mars in the inner solar system. They are involved in research and missions dedicated to the study of the giant planet, satellite and dwarf planet atmospheres in the outer solar system.  Beyond the solar system, there is a vibrant effort to observe and model the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. This includes spectroscopic studies and models of extrasolar giant planets as well as efforts to define and constrain the habitability of rocky planet atmospheres for future studies. The goal of these research endeavors is to address fundamental questions about the nature, evolution and habitability of planetary and satellite atmospheres.