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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
eccentricity
Astronomy; Planetary science
The measure of the degree of elongation of an ellipse. For example, a circle has an eccentricy of 0, and a parabola (an open figure) an eccentricity of 1. The deviation of an orbit from a perfect ...
parsec
Astronomy; Planetary science
A unit of astronomical distance equal to 3. 26 light years, or 206265 AU, which equals 3. 08 x 10 13 kilometers.
stratigraphic column
Astronomy; Planetary science
A drawing showing the vertical sequence of rock. Geologists use this to interpret the relative sequence of past geological events.
spectra
Astronomy; Planetary science
The intensity of electromagnetic radiation (such as ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared, etc. ) across a range of wavelengths. A prism separates white light into the range of wavelengths we call ...
pathfinder
Astronomy; Planetary science
The second in NASA's Discovery program of low-cost spacecraft with highly focused science goals, Mars Pathfinder landed successfully on Mars on July 4, 1997. Images, science results, and engineering ...
ammonia
Astronomy; Planetary science
A gas molecule composed of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen; NH 3 .