Planetary Science

Planetary Science uses the bodies in our Solar System to address major astrophysical questions. Planetary scientists hope to address the architecture of the solar system, understanding its formation and evolution, as well as characterizing the conditions necessary for life in an astronomical sense. These questions require a diverse background of physical science, and a majority of planetary science is interdisciplinary, using techniques from geology, biology, chemistry, astrophysics, physics and computer modeling. CU Boulder has distinguished itself in planetary science by maintaining a successful relationship with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, which has the distinction of being the only institution to send instruments to every planet in the solar system, as well as Pluto and beyond. CU Boulder also collaborates directly with many off campus organizations including, but not limited to, SWRi, NSO, SSI, HAO, Lockheed Martin, Ball, etc.