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
Wiens receives McCoy Award for groundbreaking Mars research
03-31-2025
Purdue University has bestowed the 2024 Herbert Newby McCoy Award to Roger Wiens, professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences in the College of Science. The award is the university’s highest honor for contributions to the natural sciences. Wiens was selected for his pioneering research in planetary science and instrumental role in advancing NASA’s Mars exploration efforts.
Purdue SuperCam helping with Mars research
03-31-2025
Inside Indiana Business—Purdue University is playing a key role in cracking the code on a planet 140 million miles away from Earth. Purdue professor Roger Wiens' state-of-the-art camera perched atop the Perseverance Rover is marking its fourth year on Mars. It's gathering half a million images to help scientists better understand how unique rocks make up this mysterious planet.
Curiosity rover makes ‘arguably the most exciting organic detection to date on Mars’
03-31-2025
CNN — The NASA Curiosity rover has detected the largest organic molecules found to date on Mars, opening a window into the red planet’s past. The newly detected compounds suggest complex organic chemistry may have occurred in the planet’s past — the kind necessary for the origin of life, according to new research. EAPS's own Briony Horgan was quoted in the article.
Preparing for Artemis: NASA's Geology Training for Lunar Exploration
03-27-2025
NASA — From the volcanic fields of Arizona to the lunar-like landscape of Iceland, NASA scientists are actively preparing astronauts and mission support teams for conducting science on the Moon. Kelsey Prissel, assistant professor of EAPS, was a member of the JETT5 Science Team and appears in this video by NASA.
Perseverance rover marks four years on Mars with 500,000th laser shot
03-13-2025
On the fourth anniversary of its landing on Mars, NASA's Perseverance rover marked a significant milestone. It has now fired its 500,000th laser shot using the SuperCam instrument. This accomplishment highlights its longevity and success, developed under the guidance of Purdue University professor Roger Wiens.
Can the Human Body Endure a Voyage to Mars?
03-13-2025
The New Yorker — In the coming years, an unprecedented number of people will leave planet Earth—but it’s becoming increasingly clear that deep space will make us sick. The Purdue Mars Desert Research Station Crews were covered in the article.
Advancing Space Exploration at Purdue: Not Afraid to Go First
03-12-2025
The College of Science in combination with the College of Engineering held the first of many collaborative conventions at Purdue University to help the world boldly explore the vast universe around us. We call "dibs" in being the first to go, and we plan to stay the course. At Purdue, we'd like to play a part in every mission. The Advancing Space Exploration at Purdue convention was set up to help faculty and staff collaborate on our next giant leaps.
Unburied treasure: Rover researchers find unexpected minerals on Mars
03-05-2025
Pale rocks on the red planet tell stories of a watery history and hint at possibilities of life. EAPS's own Mars expert Roger Wiens and his team, including the rover Perseverance, discovered fascinating rocks incorporating kaolinite and spinel on Mars’ surface that form in warm, wet environments but the origin of the rocks remains a mystery.