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
Lunar meteorite discovery supports Purdue-led model of early Moon evolution
05-07-2025
A rock that crash-landed on Earth has made lunar science history, and a Purdue scientist, Tabb Prissel, played a key role in modeling its formation history. For the first time, researchers have classified a whole-rock meteorite as a lunar norite (Arguin 002), an igneous lunar rock type primarily comprised of the minerals orthopyroxene and plagioclase feldspar.
What’s Going On Inside Io, Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon?
05-01-2025
Quanta Magazine — Recent flybys of the fiery world refute a leading theory of its inner structure — and reveal how little is understood about geologically active moons. EAPS's Michael Sori was quoted in the article.
Mysterious Mars Rock Leaves Scientists Searching For Origin Clues
04-23-2025
Forbes — The Perseverance rover is currently exploring the rim of the Jezero Crater in an area called Witch Hazel Hill. The rover took some time in April to study a spot where lighter and darker rock outcrops meet. That’s where the unusual rock came into focus. Margaret Deahn, a PhD student in EAPS, is featured in the Forbes article.
NASA finds mysterious skull-shaped feature on Mars — where star-gazers say it doesn’t belong
04-21-2025
New York Post — NASA’s Mars rover has spotted something out of this world — a mysterious, skull-shaped elevation – sitting on a slope where star-gazers say it doesn’t belong. The mysterious rock – dubbed “Skull Hill” was discovered April 11 by the Perseverance rover while it was driving down a ridge called Witch Hazel Hill. Margaret Deahn, a Ph.D. student at Purdue University working with NASA was quoted in the article.
Video: NASA asteroid samples give a snapshot of the past
04-10-2025
Michelle Thompson, associate professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, describes OSIRIS-REx — NASA’s first mission to bring asteroid samples to Earth — and what scientists have learned from the samples since they arrived in 2023. Unlike the constantly shifting conditions on Earth, objects in space like asteroids have not been significantly altered since they were formed 4.5 billion years ago.
Are we alone in the universe? These Mars rocks could finally give us an answer.
04-07-2025
National Geographic — The Perseverance rover has found some intriguing samples on the red planet. Here's what they might reveal about the origins of life in our universe—if we can get them back to Earth. Purdue EAPS's Briony Horgan is quoted in the article.
March 2025 Lunar Eclipse at Purdue University
04-07-2025
The Purdue Astronomy Club and Physics and Astronomy Outreach hosted a recent “all-nighter” lunar eclipse viewing party. The event attracted over 100 Purdue undergrads, grads, and staff. Amazing pictures from the event are shown in this exposure gallery.
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.