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

lithology

Astronomy; Planetary science

The description of the physical characteristics of rocks including color, mineral compositions, grain sizes, grain shapes, texture or fabric (relationship between grains).

chondrite

Astronomy; Planetary science

An abundant class of stony meteorites with chemical compositions similar to that of the Sun and characterized by the presence of chondrules. Chondrites come from asteroids that did not melt when ...

ultramafic

Astronomy; Planetary science

Term describing the chemical composition of an igneous rock composed almost entirely of magnesium-rich and iron-rich minerals (e.g., olivine, pyroxenes) and minimal silica.

magma

Astronomy; Planetary science

Term applied to molten rock in the interior of a planet or moon. When it reaches the surface, magma is called lava.

long-period

Astronomy; Planetary science

In astronomy, a comet with an orbital period greater than 200 years.

standard mean ocean water (SMOW)

A precise definition of the isotopic composition of water on Earth. It serves as a reference standard for comparing hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios. For example, cosmochemists measure the 17 O / ...

bacteria

Astronomy; Planetary science

Single-celled microorganisms whose cells lack a nucleus. Bacteria comprise a major domain of life called prokaryotes. In contrast, the cells in eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus; eukarya include ...