Explore Planetary and
Solar Systems Science at LPL
Welcome to the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Academic Programs at LPL
Interdisciplinary coursework, access to world-class instruments and laboratories, and diverse research opportunities.
Research Focus Areas
Pursuing interdisciplinary research spanning the breadth and depth of planetary science.
Spacecraft Missions and Instrumentation
Exploring the Universe as investigators on spacecraft mission and instrumentation teams.
LPL in the Spotlight
How the Moon Turned Itself Inside Out
More than 50 years ago, Apollo astronauts brought basaltic lava rocks back from the moon with surprisingly high concentrations of titanium. Later, satellite observations found that these titanium-rich volcanic rocks are primarily located on the moon's nearside - but how and why they got there has remained a mystery – until now.
Tracking the Bennu Sample Capsule's Separation from OSIRIS-REx
Data collected ahead of the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule's plunge into Earth's atmosphere will help test algorithms used to pinpoint asteroids that could impact Earth.
How Pluto Got Its 'Heart'
The mystery of how Pluto got a giant heart-shaped feature on its surface has finally been solved by an international team of astrophysicists.
Public Education and Outreach
Faculty, staff, and students engage with diverse communities.
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