Planetary science

Planetary science

The scientific study of planets including Earth, moons, and planetary systems of the Solar System in particular and the processes that form them.

Industry: Astronomy

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Planetary science

An element with atomic number 6; symbol: C. Graphite is a low-pressure form of carbon. Diamond is a high-pressure form of carbon. (Carbon is one of the four elements essential for life. The others ...

photosynthesis

Astronomy; Planetary science

The process by which plants convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, using sunlight as the source of energy and the aid of chlorophyll.

astronomical unit (AU)

Astronomy; Planetary science

The mean Earth-Sun distance, equal to 149. 5 million kilometers or 93 million miles.

s-process

Astronomy; Planetary science

The buildup of heavy isotopes inside massive stars by the slow (hence the use of "s") absorption of neutrons by atomic nuclei. See also r-process and supernova.

fractional crystallization

Astronomy; Planetary science

Geochemical and physical processes that result in the sequential formation and separation of minerals from a melt. The residual magma changes in composition and becomes enriched in incompatible ...

density current

Astronomy; Planetary science

Water movement due to differences in the density of the water from place to place usually caused by changes in the amount of material held in suspension or changes in temperature or variations in ...