Through this comprehensive approach of lessons and literature review, students will gain a robust understanding of planetary geology and the dynamic processes shaping our Solar System, and current efforts in this active field of exploration. This holistic understanding will prepare students to contribute to the ongoing and future endeavors in planetary exploration and geology, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in this exciting frontier of science.

Mineralogy and Petrography; Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics for Geology.

Modern planetary geology began with the construction of space probes that traveled to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and beyond. Advanced telescopes also identify materials on the surfaces of planets, moons, and asteroids. Many of the missions (e.g Apollo, Luna, Hayabusa, Chang-e) brought back samples to Earth for laboratory analysis, but we also have access to those that reached us naturally - meteorites. In this course we will give an overview of all available materials that we have at hand to study the geology of the rocky objects in our space neighborhood. With the focus on understanding the composition and surface conditions of Moon, Mars, asteroids and comets, we will explore the origins and history of the entire Solar System. Finally, we will explore recent missions to asteroids and planets to better understand the aspects of resource identification, safety, and plans for permanent human presence in Space.

McSween, Jr, H. Y., Moersch, J. E., Burr, D. M., Dunne, W. M., Emery, J. P., Kah, L. C., & McCanta, M. C. (2019). Planetary Geoscience. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Angelo Pio Rossi, Stephan van Gasselt Eds. 2018. Planetary Geology , Springer, ISBN: 3319651773. M. White, 2020. Geochemistry. Wiley. ISBN: 978-1-119-43805-2. Various chapters in Heinrich D. Holland, Karl K. Turekian, 2014. Treatise in Geochemistry. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-08-098300-4 (e.g. Chapter 1.12: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-095975-7.00115-7). https://quickmap.lroc.asu.edu/

Modern planetary geology began with the construction of space probes that traveled to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and beyond. These probes have provided invaluable data that have significantly advanced our understanding of planetary bodies. Advanced telescopes complement these missions by identifying materials on the surfaces of planets, moons, and asteroids, providing further insights into their compositions and histories. Many of the missions, such as Apollo, Luna, Hayabusa, and Chang'e, brought back samples to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis. Additionally, we benefit from natural extraterrestrial samples in the form of meteorites that have landed on Earth.
In this course, we will give an overview of all available material that we have at hand to study the geology of the rocky objects in our space neighborhood. This will include examining the compositions and surface conditions of the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and comets. By analyzing these materials, we aim to understand the origins and history of the entire Solar System.
We will also delve into the terrestrial record of large meteoritic impacts, exploring how these events have shaped not only the Earth but also provided analogs for understanding impact processes on other planetary bodies.
During the practical exercises, students will have the opportunity to examine thin sections of various meteorites under microscopes to identify their mineralogical and textural properties. We will also access and analyze available imagery and remote sensing data for the Moon and Mars, enabling students to apply remote sensing techniques to real planetary surfaces.
Finally, we will explore recent and ongoing missions to asteroids and planets, focusing on the aspects of resource identification, safety considerations, and the strategic planning necessary for a permanent human presence in space. This will include a discussion of how these missions contribute to our overall knowledge and the potential for future exploration and colonization efforts. Through this comprehensive approach, students will gain a robust understanding of planetary geology and the dynamic processes shaping our Solar System.

Frontal instructions, basic classroom exercises, and literature review/seminar

Oral exam/seminar

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)