As their name suggests, planetary geologists, often known as astrogeologists or exogeologists, investigate the geology of celestial bodies like plane...
As their name suggests, planetary geologists, often known as astrogeologists or exogeologists, investigate the geology of celestial bodies like planets. What is the moon made of is one of the queries they pose. What about Jupiter, Saturn, and the enigmatic Pluto? Planetary geologists research the formation of these and other extraterrestrial bodies. Planetary geologists can learn more about the history, climate, and terrain of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets by studying images of those objects. Some planetary geologists carry out their research using actual spacecraft samples.
Most planetary geologists work as university professors. They also give classes and carry out research. Others are employed by governmental organizations like NASA. There are still more planetary geologists who work for commercial research organizations. Work can be done by planetary geologists in their offices, in front of computers, and in space labs. Depending on the type of study being done, different amounts of time are spent in each site.
But they also research moons, comets, meteorites, asteroids, and other cosmic bodies. A planetary geologist can learn a lot about the underlying structures of planets, their atmospheres, their surfaces, mapping, the characteristics of volcanoes, and what impact craters can teach us.
High School
In high school, prospective planetary geologists should enroll in as many advanced math, physics, chemistry, and biology courses as they can. If they are provided at your school, courses in geology, hydrogeology, and environmental sciences are especially helpful. Language, theatre, and public speaking proficiency aid in the development of crucial communication abilities. Your chances of being accepted into the college of your choosing increase with higher test results.
Degree Choices
Most planetary geologists at the entry level require at least a Bachelor's Degree. The majority of geoscientists require a master's degree because planetary geologists with master's degrees have the best employment chances. If you want to do high-level research or transition into college teaching roles, a Ph.D. is the right degree for you. In comparison to applicants for positions requiring only a Bachelor's or Master's Degree, planetary geologists competing for these teaching and research roles encounter more competition.
Coursework in Science
Mineralogy, petrology, hydrogeology, and structural geology are among the courses you complete to earn a degree in planetary geology. For those who want to become planetary geologists, computer abilities are crucial. Computer-savvy graduates are at a distinct advantage. Prospective planetary geologists that have knowledge of computer modeling, data analysis/integration, digital mapping, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or the Global Positioning System (GPS) will have a competitive advantage in the job market.
Communications Coursework
Together with other environmental scientists and engineers, geoscientists frequently form teams. As a result, interpersonal abilities as well as abilities in verbal and written communication are needed. Planetary geologists are required to produce extremely complex papers, craft elaborate research proposals, and physically present their findings in a number of contexts. To succeed in geoscience, one needs more than just strong scientific aptitude. If you want to advance in your work, you must be able to successfully convey your findings.