March 29, 2024
Updated May 17, 2025
18 minute read
Embarking on a Career as a Planetary Scientist: An OpenCourser Guide
Planetary science is a captivating field dedicated to understanding the origin, evolution, composition, and dynamics of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond. It seeks to unravel the mysteries of how planetary systems form, how they change over time, and the conditions that might allow for the emergence of life. Professionals in this domain, known as planetary scientists, employ a diverse array of scientific disciplines to explore these fundamental questions.
The allure of planetary science often stems from its inherent connection to exploration and discovery. Imagine deciphering the data sent back from a distant probe, identifying the chemical signatures of a planet's atmosphere, or modeling the cataclysmic impact that shaped a celestial body billions of years ago. These are the kinds of engaging and exciting challenges that planetary scientists tackle, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the cosmos and our place within it. The field is also inherently forward-looking, with ongoing and future space missions promising new torrents of data and fresh enigmas to solve.
Introduction to Planetary Science
This section delves into the foundational aspects of planetary science, offering a clear view of its scope, historical progression, and the collaborative nature that defines it. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a journey into this exciting scientific frontier. It’s a field that not only seeks to understand other worlds but also provides profound insights into our own planet, Earth.
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Find a path to becoming a Planetary Scientist. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/5snkee/planetary
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Planetary Scientist.
A comprehensive overview of radio astronomy, covering the history, techniques, and major discoveries in the field. Written by two leading experts in the field, this book valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about radio astronomy.
Delves into the interdisciplinary fields of exoplanets and astrobiology, covering topics like exoplanet detection, habitability, and the search for life beyond Earth. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and provides a good overview of contemporary research at the intersection of planetary science and biology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth system, including its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It discusses the interactions between these components and how they have changed over time.
Provides a comprehensive overview of planetary science, including the study of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets. It is written by two leading experts in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
This textbook focuses on the geological processes that shape planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in planetary science and geology. It provides a deep understanding of the solid surfaces of planetary bodies and valuable reference for those specializing in planetary geology.
Focuses specifically on exoplanets, a highly contemporary topic in planetary science. Written for a general audience, it explores the discovery, diversity, and formation of planets outside our solar system. It is excellent for high school to undergraduate students interested in current research and can serve as supplementary reading.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the solar system, covering the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. It is suitable for undergraduate students and offers a solid foundation in planetary science. It can be used as a primary textbook or a detailed reference for gaining a broad understanding of the topic.
This advanced textbook focuses on the physics and chemistry of planetary atmospheres, a key aspect of understanding planetary environments and habitability. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers and provides a deep dive into atmospheric processes. It crucial resource for those specializing in planetary climates and atmospheres.
Explores the concept of habitable planets and the factors that make a planet suitable for life, drawing on principles of planetary science and astrobiology. It is relevant for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the search for life beyond Earth and provides a solid scientific basis for understanding habitability.
Offers a concise yet informative introduction to the rapidly evolving field of exoplanets. Written by a leading researcher, it is accessible to a broad audience, from high school to undergraduate students, and provides a good overview of the key concepts and discoveries in this contemporary area of planetary science.
Blends personal narrative with the scientific quest for life on Mars, offering a contemporary look at astrobiology and planetary exploration. It is accessible to a wide audience and provides insights into the motivations and methods of scientists studying Mars. It is particularly relevant for those interested in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cosmic microwave background, including its discovery, properties, and applications. It is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students, and is also a valuable resource for researchers.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of geology. It covers topics such as the structure of the Earth, the processes that shape it, and the history of life on Earth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of geochemistry. It covers topics such as the chemical composition of the Earth, the processes that control the distribution of elements, and the use of geochemical data to understand the history of the Earth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental geology. It covers topics such as the interaction between humans and the environment, the effects of human activities on the environment, and the use of geological data to mitigate environmental hazards.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the geology of the United States' national parks. It covers topics such as the geological features of each park, the processes that have shaped them, and the history of geological research in the parks.
A sequel to Cosmos, this book focuses more specifically on Earth and its place in the cosmos, exploring the history of planetary exploration and the future of humanity in space. It deepens the understanding of our place among the planets and is suitable for high school and undergraduate readers. It provides valuable historical context and encourages critical thinking about planetary science and exploration.
Tells the story of the New Horizons mission to Pluto, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of exploring the outer solar system. It's a compelling read for all levels, providing a real-world example of contemporary planetary exploration and the scientific process. It highlights the excitement and difficulties of space missions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pulsars, including their discovery, properties, and applications. It is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students, and is also a valuable resource for researchers.
Takes the reader on a tour of the solar system, describing the various planets and moons based on recent missions and observations. It is suitable for a general audience, including high school and undergraduate students, and provides an engaging overview of the diverse worlds in our cosmic neighborhood.
Offers a narrative approach to understanding the planets in our solar system, blending scientific information with historical and cultural perspectives. It's a good resource for high school and undergraduate students seeking a more engaging and less technical introduction to the planets. It can serve as supplementary reading to provide broader context beyond just the scientific facts.
This concise book provides a good introduction to the field of astrobiology, which is closely linked to the study of planets and their potential for hosting life. It is suitable for high school and undergraduate students and offers a broad overview of this interdisciplinary area. It serves as excellent background reading.
Recounts the historic Voyager missions, which provided unprecedented close-ups of the outer planets. It highlights a significant era of planetary exploration and valuable resource for understanding how we gained much of our knowledge about the gas giants. It's suitable for all levels interested in the history of planetary science. (Based on general knowledge of Voyager missions and author's work)
Offers a comprehensive overview of the solar system, with contributions from various planetary scientists. While slightly older, it provides a reliable guide to the planets and other solar system bodies. It's suitable for undergraduate students and can serve as a good reference for fundamental knowledge.
Focuses on planetary rings, a specific and complex aspect of planetary science. It is likely aimed at graduate students and researchers specializing in planetary dynamics and observations. It would be a valuable resource for deepening understanding in this niche area. (Based on the specific topic and likely depth)
Provides a comprehensive overview of plate tectonics and its role in the occurrence of earthquakes. It discusses the different types of plate boundaries, the processes that drive plate motion, and the hazards associated with earthquakes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of planetary magnetospheres, including the study of the magnetic fields of planets and moons. It is written by two leading experts in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Explores the relationship between life and the cosmos, arguing that life is not a random occurrence but rather a necessary consequence of the laws of nature. It discusses the conditions necessary for life, the potential for life on other planets, and the implications of life for our understanding of the universe.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Mars, including its geology, atmosphere, and climate. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Argues that the Earth is uniquely suited for life, and that the universe is fine-tuned for the emergence of life. It controversial book, but it has been influential in the debate over the existence of life beyond Earth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Venus, including its geology, atmosphere, and climate. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the search for extraterrestrial life. It discusses the different methods that scientists are using to search for life beyond Earth, and the challenges involved in finding life in the vastness of space.
Argues that complex life is rare in the universe, and that the Earth very special planet. It discusses the different factors that make the Earth habitable, and why it is unlikely that we will find complex life on other planets.
Explores the Fermi paradox, which asks why we have not yet found evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. It discusses the different possible explanations for the Fermi paradox, and argues that it is unlikely that we will ever find evidence of complex life beyond Earth.
Explores the future of life on Earth, and the challenges that we face in ensuring the survival of our planet. It discusses the different threats to the environment, and the ways that we can work together to create a sustainable future.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/5snkee/planetary
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