Planetary Astronomy
      
  
  About
The planets of the solar system, along with their satellite systems, are our only accessible example of the end state of planetary system development. Observational study of these worlds provides us insight into how systems of planets form, the role of migration, bombardment and stellar interaction in their evolution, and the range of potential sites of habitability. Planetary astronomy at LPL targets planets on multiple levels ranging from observations of surface features and composition, through the dynamic and chemical processes in their atmospheres, and ultimately to the interface of their magnetic and atmospheric interaction with the solar wind. These measurements are obtained from a combination of in situ robotic probes, a global network of ground and space-based observatories, and customized instrumentation developed by LPL scientists and engineers. The results are then interpreted in coordination with local laboratory based and theoretical facilities to improve our understanding of the solar neighborhood.
Faculty
Planetary Astronomy Faculty
  Gilda Ballester
Research Professor (Retired)
Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres
  Caitlin Griffith
Professor Emeritus
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Formation and Evolution, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar System
  Pierre Haenecour
Assistant Professor
Astrobiology, Cosmochemistry, Planetary Astronomy, Small Bodies
  Walter Harris
Professor
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies, Solar and Heliospheric Research
  Robert (Bob) McMillan
Research Professor (Retired)
Asteroid Surveys, Planetary Astronomy, Small Bodies
  Ilaria Pascucci
Professor
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and Evolution
  Vishnu Reddy
Professor
Cosmochemistry, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Surfaces, Small Bodies, Space Situational Awareness
  George Rieke
Regents Professor
Planetary AstronomyOther Researchers
Planetary Astronomy Researchers
  Arin Avsar
PTYS Graduate Student
Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and Evolution
  Sophie Clark
PTYS Graduate Student
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and Evolution, Theoretical Astrophysics
  Jason Corliss
Research Scientist/Senior Staff Scientist
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies, Solar and Heliospheric Research
  Erich Karkoschka
Research Scientist/Senior Staff Scientist
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar System
  Lily Robinthal
PTYS Graduate Student
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres
  Stephen Schwartz
DCC Associate Staff Scientist (Asphaug)
Orbital Dynamics, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Surfaces, Small Bodies, Space Situational Awareness
  Jingyu Wang
PTYS Graduate Student
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres