Home > Industry/Domain > Astronomy > 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.

Contributors in Planetary science

Planetary science

oxygen

Astronomy; Planetary science

An element with atomic number 8; symbol: O. It is actually the most common element in the crusts and mantles of the inner planets and rocky moons, making up all silicate minerals. Along with ...

diffusion

Astronomy; Planetary science

The random movement (spreading) of molecules from regions of highest concentrations to regions of lowest concentrations.

radioactivity

Astronomy; Planetary science

The spontaneous breaking apart, or decay, of unstable nuclei in isotopes. The unstable radioactive isotope is called the parent, and the products of the decay of the parent are called the daughter ...

scale

Astronomy; Planetary science

The relationship of a distance on a map or model to the true distance in space; written as a ratio, such as 1:24,000.

nanometer

Astronomy; Planetary science

Unit of measure that is one-billionth of a meter. A nanometer-sized particle is smaller than a living cell and can only be seen with the most powerful microscopes.

speed of light

Astronomy; Planetary science

A constant value: 299,792,458 meters per second (186,282 miles per second).

spacecraft

Astronomy; Planetary science

Vehicle capable of traveling in outer space.

Featured blossaries

Multiple Sclerosis

Category: Health   1 20 Terms

The Best Set-Top Box You Can Buy

Category: Technology   1 5 Terms