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

One of fifty newly found alien planets that could potentially support life. The planets have been discovered by an exoplanet-hunting telescope from the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The Super ...

PSR J1719-1438 b

Astronomy; Planetary science

A recently discovered planet made entirely of diamond, making it the densest planet known to man. The planet was formed when the primary member of a binary star went supernova leaving behind a ...

bulge of the earth

Astronomy; General astronomy

The extra length of the earth diameter at its equator due to the centrifugal force of the earth's spinning motion. As a result, the earth is a slightly flattened sphere. The earth's bulge causes ...

earthshine

Astronomy; General astronomy

The faint glow which dimly illuminates the dark part of the new moon which is seen as a narrow crescent. During this time, the earth is completely illuminated by the Sun which is the source of ...

planetary swing-by maneuver

Astronomy; Planetary science

The encounter between a moving spacecraft and a moving planet in which the spacecraft experiences an elastic collision affecting its motion. Depending on the nature of the encounter, the spacecraft ...

NEOShield

Astronomy; Planetary science

An EU funded project that aims to protect the Earth from collisions with near-Earth objects, or NEOs, celestial flotsam such as asteroids or comets that can score direct hits on the planet. For ...

space weather

Astronomy; Planetary science

Popular name for energy-releasing phenomena from the Sun and its effects on planetary systems. Space weather conditions can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based ...