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Planetary Scientist
Studies planets, moons, asteroids, and comets — both in our solar system and beyond.
Did you know?
There are more confirmed exoplanets (planets around other stars) than there are countries on Earth
How subjects help
- Physics: Work out how gravity and heat shape a planet's orbit, its atmosphere and its moons.
- Chemistry: Read data from space probes to find out what gases and ices a moon or comet contains.
- Mathematics: Calculate an asteroid's path to check whether it could ever come close to Earth.
- Geology: Compare craters, volcanoes and dry riverbeds on Mars with similar landforms on Earth.
A famous name
Carolyn Porco: Planetary scientist who led the camera team for the Cassini mission to Saturn.
Try it yourself: Design a base on Mars
- List what people need to stay alive: air, water, food, warmth, and protection from radiation.
- Mars has thin air you can't breathe, freezing nights and dust storms. Decide how your base solves each problem.
- Draw your base and label where each need is met.
- What happens if one part breaks? Add a backup.
Space engineers design around every need, then plan backups, because help is months away.
Also try: Scratch-test your pebbles.
Known for it in
USA, France, Japan, Germany, UK