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
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.
Why scientists say this stunning ancient lake in Turkey might as well be on Mars
03-04-2025
CNN — With its vivid turquoise, green and blue waters, it’s no surprise Lake Salda is often promoted as the “Maldives of Turkey.” But there’s so much more to this gorgeous body of water and its white-sand beaches than just beauty to get tourists excited. According to scientists, Lake Salda is the only place on Earth that's analogous to the Jezero Crater on Mars. EAPS's Briony Horgan was interviewed in this article.
Purdue professor explains change in odds of asteroid hitting Earth
03-03-2025
Network Indiana — The odds of the 2024 YR4 asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 have gone from a little more than 3% to now 0.0004%. Brandon Johnson with EAPS talks about why there has been a change in the odds of the asteroid hitting Earth.
Purdue Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series - Robert Braun
03-03-2025
The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics with the College of Engineering will be hosting Dr. Robert Braun, Head of Space Exploration Sector, at John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab on Tuesday, March 11th. EAPS's Dr. Ben Pearce will be serving on the Panel for the seminar.
New research upends theory about why Mars is red, scientists say
02-25-2025
CNN — With its iconic rusty hue, Mars has long been called the red planet. Now, scientists may have discovered the potential source of that distinctive coloring, overturning a popular theory in the process. Scientists have wondered about the exact composition of the iron oxide in Martian dust, because understanding how it formed would enable them to essentially look back in time at what the environment and climate were like on ancient Mars. However, even though dust covers everything on Mars, it’s difficult to study and presents an enigma, said Briony Horgan, co-investigator on the Perseverance rover mission and professor of planetary science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.