Planetary Science
Why study planets?
Like pioneers, planetary scientists explore new worlds and push the boundaries of humankind’s reach in the universe. As planetary scientists, we lay eyes on landscapes never seen before, and use our observations to seek answers to some of the most fundamental and existential questions there are. Where do we come from? Where are we going? Are we alone in the universe?
In addition to its fundamental and exploratory aspirations, planetary science has concrete applications to pressing issues for humankind. Earth is a planet, and by looking at other planets, we can get a glimpse at Earth’s past and potential futures. Humans are affecting Earth in ways that may threaten its long-term habitability. Other planets can teach us how to adjust our interactions with the natural world towards sustainable habitability, and potentially provide a source of raw materials and energy through in situ resource utilization.
Why study planetary science at Stanford?
We have access to cutting-edge facilities and infrastructures at both the University main campus and at SLAC. Stanford sits at the heart of a vibrant community of planetary scientists around the Bay Area, including researchers at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, UC Davis, NASA Ames, the SETI Institute, and Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Our research also benefits from Silicon Valley’s long history and culture of data-driven science and innovation.
NASA Ames Research Center
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Stanford Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology
SETI Institute
Research Areas
Check out the Research Themes we pursue from planetary formation to exoplanets and remote sensing.
A sampling of planetary science courses
Earth & Planetary Processes & Mechanics
Stars and Planets in a Habitable Universe
Designing Science Fiction Planets
The Space Mission to Europa
Introduction to Planetary Science
Formation and Dynamics of Planets
Evolution of Terrestrial Planets
Planetary Surface Processes
Atmospheric Evolution of Rocky Planets
Ice Penetrating Radar
Image Radar and Applications
Planetary Science Reading
Bay Area Planetary Science forum
Join our regional group of scientists, researchers, and academics working in planetary science. Watch for events on this page, contact Mathieu Lapôtre at mlapotre@stanford.edu or visit the BAPS website.
Planetary Science News
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Researchers have analyzed the shifting patterns of entire dune fields on Earth and Mars, as seen from orbit, and found they are a direct signature of recent environmental change. This new tool can be applied anywhere with dunes, such as Mars, Titan, and Venus.
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Caers, professor in Earth & Planetary Sciences, shared how his struggles evoked the realization that he no longer wanted to be an “enabler” for the fossil fuel industry.
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Ice-penetrating radar data from Greenland suggests that shallow water pockets may be common within Europa’s ice shell, increasing the potential habitability of the Jovian moon’s ice shell.
In the works...
Our goal: Creating a Center for Planetary Exploration at Stanford.
With 28+ research groups across science and engineering, involvement in 50+ space missions and expeditions, and 1000+ publications and patents, our planetary community is already leading the exploration of the next frontier. A Center for Planetary Exploration would crystallize Stanford's leadership by catalyzing more discoveries, driving further technological innovation, accelerate mission-ready breakthroughs, and helping us train the next generation of space leaders. Join us as we explore the next frontier!
Contact us
For all inquiries, please feel free to reach out to:
Prof. Mathieu Lapôtre (Earth & Planetary Sciences)
Prof. Sonia Tikoo (Geophysics)
Prof. Anton Ermakov (Aeronautics & Astronautics)