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
Advancing Space Exploration at Purdue University
02-18-2025
Purdue University is the Cradle of Astronauts and Boilermakers have a long history with space exploration and research. The Purdue College of Science and College of Engineering recently hosted a collaborative convention to help faculty and staff collaborate on our next giant leaps.
Evidence of ancient frozen ocean found on dwarf planet Ceres
02-17-2025
StudyFinds — EAPS researchers discovered that Ceres has a crust containing about 90% ice near its surface, three times more than previously thought, by showing that impurities mixed with ice can prevent it from flowing and deforming over time.
How NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission may help us understand the origins of life on Earth
02-10-2025
PBS News — The origins of life on our planet remains one of science’s great mysteries. Now, a NASA mission that brought a piece of an ancient asteroid back to Earth has revealed that the building blocks of life may have been scattered throughout the solar system billions of years ago. Purdue EAPS Associate Professor Michelle Thompson is interviewed in the PBS News video.
Why we must investigate Phobos, the solar system's strangest object
02-07-2025
NewScientist — Mars's moon Phobos is so strange that no one knows how it formed. But a forthcoming mission could solve this mystery - and a host of other puzzles connected to the solar system's deep past. Associate Professor of Purdue EAPS David Minton is cited in this article. Subscription is required for viewing.
The mystery of the Lafayette meteorite
02-07-2025
Journal Review — EAPS Professor Anthony Freed and Assistant Professor Marissa Tremblay talk about a meteorite found in a drawer at Purdue University.
A piece of the dawn: Asteroid sample science hints at an ancient salt lake and conditions in the early solar system
01-30-2025
Asteroid expert and associate professor in EAPS Michelle Thompson was one of the first six humans to examine the OSIRIS-REx sample from asteroid Bennu. Researchers have found evidence of the building blocks of life as well as hints to how Earth got its water.
Advancing Space Exploration at Purdue Symposium
01-27-2025
Join the College of Science with faculty and experts as they discuss leading the next giant leap in human and robotic exploration.
Pluto May Have Captured Its Biggest Moon After an Ancient Dance and Kiss
01-09-2025
The New York Times — Some 4.5 billion years ago, the dwarf planet Pluto was suddenly joined by a companion, which resulted in Pluto and its quintet of moons orbiting the sun together today. A former Purdue PhD, Adeene Denton, weighs in about how this is comparable to Earth and its moon. (Subscription required)