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Created page with 'File:lighterstill.jpgright|frame '''Planetary science''' (rarely ''planetology'') is the scientific study of planets (including ...'
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'''Planetary science''' (rarely ''planetology'') is the scientific [[study]] of [[planets]] (including [[Earth]]), [[moons]], and planetary systems, in particular those of the [[Solar System]] and the processes that form them. It studies objects ranging in size from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrometeoroid micrometeoroids] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_giant gas giants], aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations and [[history]]. It is a strongly interdisciplinary field, originally growing from [[astronomy]] and [[earth science]], but which now incorporates many disciplines, including planetary astronomy, planetary geology (together with geochemistry and geophysics), atmospheric science, oceanography, hydrology, theoretical planetary science, glaciology, and the study of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrasolar_planets extrasolar planets]. Allied disciplines include space [[physics]], when concerned with the effects of the [[Sun]] on the bodies of the Solar System, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrobiology astrobiology].
<center>For lessons on the [[topic]] of '''''Planetary Science''''', follow [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Planetary_Science '''''this link'''''].</center>
There are interrelated observational and theoretical branches of planetary science. Observational [[research]] can involve a combination of [[space]] [[exploration]], predominantly with robotic spacecraft missions using [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_sensing remote sensing], and comparative, [[experimental]] work in Earth-based [[laboratories]]. The theoretical component involves considerable computer [[simulation]] and [[mathematical modelling]].

Planetary scientists are generally located in the [[astronomy]] and [[physics]] or earth sciences departments of universities or [[research]] centres, though there are several purely planetary science institutes worldwide. There are several major conferences each year, and a wide range of peer-reviewed journals.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_science]
==See also==
*'''''[[Earth Science]]'''''

[[Category: Physics]]