Planetary Astronomy

Planetary Astronomy

    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.

    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 Astronomy

    Planetary Astronomy Researchers

    Arin Avsar

    PTYS Graduate Student

    Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Formation and Evolution

    Jason Corliss

    Research Scientist/Senior Staff Scientist

    Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Small Bodies

    Erich Karkoschka

    Research Scientist/Senior Staff Scientist

    Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Surfaces, Titan & Outer Solar System

    Sarah E. Moran

    Director's Postdoctoral Fellow

    Astrobiology, Exoplanets, Planetary Astronomy, Planetary Atmospheres, 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