Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

USGS Planetary Science

For over 60 years, USGS scientists have worked across many fields in planetary science, the study of planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. The USGS has partnered with NASA to help plan and complete missions by studying how geologic processes work across the solar system, participating in rover missions, and training astronauts to return to the Moon. Our scientists make geologic maps of other planetary bodies, investigate minerals and rocks, use computer modeling to simulate planetary processes, and process mission data so other scientists can use it in their work.

Planetary Science 101

Planetary Science 101

The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training

The USGS in Space Exploration, Mission Operations, and Training

Using Earth to Study Space

Using Earth to Study Space

Planetary Mapping

Planetary Mapping

Threats from Space

Threats from Space

Planetary Data: Collection to Use

Planetary Data: Collection to Use

USGS Scientific Research Results

One of our primary functions is to provide quality scientific information to the public through our various products.

Data

Data

Publications

Publications

Web Tools

Web Tools

Software

Software

Maps

Map Releases

Map Releases

Topographic (Topo) Maps

Topographic (Topo) Maps

Volcanic Maps

Volcanic Maps

All USGS Maps

All USGS Maps

Videos and Imagery

Audio

Audio

Before and After Images

Before and After Images

Images

Images

Slideshows

Slideshows

Stereograms

Stereograms

Videos

Videos

Webcams

Webcams

All Multimedia

All Multimedia

Real-time Data Information

Providing real-time or near real-time data and information on current conditions and earth observations.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes

Landsat

Landsat

National Water Dashboard

National Water Dashboard

Volcanoes

Volcanoes

Landslides

Landslides

Geomagnetism

Geomagnetism

Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful Algal Blooms

Wildland Fire

Wildland Fire

Science for a Changing World

We monitor, assess, map, and conduct targeted scientific research so that policy makers and the public have the understanding they need to address complex environmental, natural resource, and public safety issues.

Mission Areas

Mission Areas

Programs

Programs

Interior Regions

Interior Regions

Science Centers

Science Centers

Observatories

Observatories

Laboratories

Laboratories

Science Support Offices

Science Support Offices

Locations

Locations

Key Officials

Key Officials