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 AtmospheresCaitlin Griffith
Professor Emeritus
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Formation and Evolution, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar SystemPierre Haenecour
Assistant Professor
Astrobiology, Cosmochemistry, Planetary Astronomy, Small BodiesWalter Harris
Professor
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies, Solar and Heliospheric ResearchRobert (Bob) McMillan
Research Professor (Retired)
Asteroid Surveys, Planetary Astronomy, Small BodiesIlaria Pascucci
Professor
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and EvolutionVishnu Reddy
Professor
Cosmochemistry, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Surfaces, Small Bodies, Space Situational AwarenessGeorge Rieke
Regents Professor
Planetary AstronomyOther Researchers
Planetary Astronomy Researchers
Arin Avsar
PTYS Graduate Student
Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and EvolutionJason Corliss
Research Scientist/Senior Staff Scientist
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies, Solar and Heliospheric ResearchErich Karkoschka
Research Scientist/Senior Staff Scientist
Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar SystemLily Robinthal
PTYS Graduate Student
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary AtmospheresStephen Schwartz
DCC Associate Staff Scientist (Asphaug)
Orbital Dynamics, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Surfaces, Small Bodies, Space Situational AwarenessJingyu Wang
PTYS Graduate Student
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary AtmospheresJames Windsor
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres