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Planetary Science including Exoplanets
HubBucket Planetary Science is a Scientific Research Division of HubBucket Inc ("HubBucket")
Planetary Science is the scientific study of planets and their planetary systems which includes but is not limited to moons, ring systems, gas clouds, and magnetospheres. It involves understanding how planetary systems formed, how these systems work and how all their components interact. It is a cross-discipline field including aspects of Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Geology, Space Physics, Biology, Astrobiology, and Chemistry.
Planetary Scientists work to improve our understanding of the planets, satellites and smaller bodies in the solar system. By studying the atmospheres, surfaces and interiors of planets, researchers can get clues to the origins and mechanics of our own home planet. Examples of these studies focus on understanding the origins of planets, using radar to determine the physical characteristics of asteroids, and searching for asteroids that may pose a hazard to Earth. Research is carried out in the laboratory, from astronomical facilities throughout the world, and from spacecraft and landers.
What are some of the biggest scientific questions that Planetary Science tries to answer?
1.How did the Solar System form?
2. What are the conditions for life?
3. How does the Solar System work?
4. How does the Sun influence planets and planetary systems?
5. How do planetary systems evolve?
How are these questions answered?
Planetary scientists use lots of different techniques involving lots of branches of science to try to answer these questions:
1. Use unmanned robot spacecraft to make measurements of the planets and their planetary systems.
2. Use telescopes on the ground or in space to make observations of distant planets, moons, etc..
3. Carry out experimental work in laboratories or in at different sites on the Earth which replicate different planetary environments.
Do theoretical work involving mathematical work and building models of planetary systems or their components using computers.
Why are these scientific questions important?
Where did the Solar System come from? Where did life come from? These sorts of questions are some of the most profound our Human Species can ask. It is also important to study many planetary systems as that tells us more about our own planet Earth and helps us understand effects such as Space Weather and Climate Change on Earth.
NASA missions continue to explore from the innermost planet, Mercury, to the outer reaches of the solar system, where Pluto orbits among many Kuiper Belt Objects. We have orbited and traversed the surface of Mars, finding evidence of liquid water and ancient habitable environments.
Closer to home, the Planetary Science Division uses Earth-orbiting telescopes and ground-based sensors in coordination with other organizations, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Air Force. These telescopes and sensors are used to survey space to detect, track, catalog, and characterize near-Earth objects (NEOs), which may pose hazards to Earth or provide destinations and resources for future exploration.
