Planetary Science
Astrobiology
We study habitability and potential biosignatures across a wide variety of bodies in the Universe, ranging from early Earth to exoplanets. Our work includes learning about the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, biosignature preservation in the geologic record, astronomical life detection techniques, the history of habitable environments across the Solar System, and the relationship between planetary habitability and stellar properties.
Faculty: Borlina, Horgan, Olson, Pearce
Planetary Atmospheres and Climate
We use laboratory experiments and computer simulations to study cloud formation and atmospheric evolution on a range of planets. We also analyze geological records in order to understand what they teach us about climate history on Earth, Mars, and beyond.
Faculty: A. Johnson, Olson, Pearce, Tremblay
Planetary Geophysics
We study the interiors, geodynamics, tectonics, thermal evolution, and impact processes across the solid bodies of the Solar System using data returned from spacecraft missions and sophisticated numerical models.
Faculty: Borlina, Bramson, Freed, B. Johnson, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Sori
Planetary Surfaces
We study the mineralogical, morphological, and tectonic evolution of planetary surfaces using remote sensing analysis, field and laboratory analog studies, and computational methods to understand the processes and environments that shape the landscapes of planets.
Faculty: Bramson, Horgan, B. Johnson, Minton, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Sori, Thompson, Tremblay
Sample Analysis
We use state-of-the-art laboratory experiments to analyze extraterrestrial samples, including meteorites, Moon rocks returned by Apollo astronauts, and materials collected from asteroids. Our techniques allow us to study the physical and chemical evolution of the surface of the Earth and other planets and moons.
Faculty: Borlina, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Thompson, Tremblay
Solar System Dynamics
We use observations of populations of Solar System objects and their orbits, combined with computer simulations, to study the formation and evolution of planetary and satellite systems to understand how our Solar System and others developed through time.
Faculty: Minton
Spacecraft Missions
We have been and are continuing to be involved with NASA and international spacecraft missions, including MESSENGER, Hayabusa2, OSIRIS-REx, GRAIL, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers, Mars Odyssey, Dawn, and more. We are also active in planning the next generation of robotic spacecraft missions, human exploration, and astronomical observatories.
Faculty: All
Planetary Science News
How Ceres Froze Over: Modeling the Ice-Rich Crust of an Evolving Dwarf Planet
07-24-2025
Join planetary scientists Beth Johnson and Purdue's Ian Pamerleau, lead author of a groundbreaking new Nature Astronomy study, for a deep dive into the icy mysteries of Ceres—the largest object in the asteroid belt and the only dwarf planet to be orbited by a spacecraft.
Purdue announces launch of Neil Armstrong Space Prize
07-22-2025
Purdue University — recognized globally as the Cradle of Astronauts — announced the creation of a new international prize honoring excellence over the past 10 years in space discovery, innovation and human achievement. Named the Neil Armstrong Space Prize, the award is designed to stand alongside other prestigious honors in the scientific field, including the Nobel Prize, and become the premier global honor in space advancement.
Is there life on Mars? Scientists claim thick layers of clay could be perfect breeding grounds
07-15-2025
GBNews — Scientists have discovered that thick clay deposits on Mars could have provided stable environments where ancient life might have developed, according to new research. EAPS's Roger Wiens was quoted in this article and led the research team.
Forget Mars and Europa — NASA is hunting life on this unthinkable little world
07-01-2025
The Pulse — NASA is constantly searching for any signs of life in the solar system. Earth is currently the only planet that is capable of holding life as we know it, as the distance between it and the sun is perfect for life to proliferate. Now, they are turning their focus to somewhere else to see if there’s something vital for life. A team led by Ian Pamerleau, a Ph.D. student at Purdue University, worked with his supervisor, Mike Sori, and Jennifer Scully from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Ceres: The asteroid belt’s forgotten ocean world
06-24-2025
Big Think — Dawn data showed that Ceres’ density is quite low, suggesting a high overall water (rather than rock) content. That seemed inconsistent, however, with the general lack of shallow craters and the observation that deep craters are very well preserved. Recently, following a paper published in Nature Astronomy by EAPS's Ian Pamerleau and colleagues from Purdue University and the Jet Propulsion Lab, we found a solution to this apparent mystery.
Perseverance rover may hold secrets to newly discovered Mars volcano
06-16-2025
NewScientist — There appears to be a volcano near Jezero crater on Mars and the Perseverance rover might already have samples from it that we could use to precisely date the activity of another planet's volcano for the first time. Purdue EAPS's Briony Horgan is quoted in the article.
The Mysterious Inner Workings of Io, Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon
06-16-2025
Wired — Recent flybys of the fiery world refute a leading theory of its inner structure—and reveal how little is understood about geologically active moons. Purdue EAPS Assistant Professor Mike Sori was quoted in the article.
The Eleventh Community Workshop for Achievability and Sustainability of Human Exploration of Mars
06-16-2025
Explore Mars, Inc. — Purdue EAPS Professor Ali Bramson co-led a new expert consensus report from Explore Mars, Inc., outlining top U.S. priorities for sending humans to Mars. The report is based on expert-consensus and features a list of crucial activities that should be conducted based on consideration of mission architecture, critical technology development, risk mitigation, the international landscape, and the increasing role of commercial partnerships.