Applied Physics and Materials Science

Planetary Science and Exoplanets

Planetary science explores the formation, structure, and dynamics of planets, moons, and small bodies within our solar system. It combines geology, atmospheric science, and magnetism to analyze planetary surfaces, climates, and histories. Missions like Juno, Perseverance, and Artemis continue to expand our understanding of nearby celestial bodies.

The discovery of exoplanets, planets orbiting stars beyond our Sun, has opened a new frontier. Thousands of these worlds, ranging from gas giants to potentially habitable Earth-like planets, have been identified. Techniques like the transit method and radial velocity help characterize their atmospheres and orbital properties.