Research

We conduct research on astronomy and planetary science, the geology and biology of the planets, and asteroid and comet surfaces.  We design instruments and plan missions for the exploration of our solar system and other planetary systems.  The Center has a major emphasis on samples and sample return.  Major facilities include the W.M. Keck Laboratory for Planetary Simulation.


Education

We are student-oriented and in partnership with the academic departments.  We offer master's and doctoral programs in space and planetary science.  We also offer a program of summer research to undergraduates from across the country.  University of Arkansas undergraduates participate in center activities by doing research, many as part of their honors dissertation.


Public Outreach

We take the excitement of our research to the general public and to future generations of scientists and their teachers in the grade schools.  We hold several public lectures each year in addition to teacher workshops and school visits.  "Links" provides additional resources that are of general interest.