What a planetary scientist does
Learning how to become a planetary scientist starts with understanding the work itself.
Planetary scientists study planets, moons, asteroids, comets, dwarf planets, and the processes that shape them, using data from spacecraft, telescopes, laboratories, and field sites on Earth.
The field blends geology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, computer science, and increasingly data science.
Some researchers focus on Mars geology, others on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, and others on exoplanets or the formation of the Solar System.
Because planetary science is interdisciplinary, the path into the field can vary.
The common thread is strong scientific training, research experience, and the ability to work with complex datasets and instrumentation.
Start with the right undergraduate degree
The most common starting point is a bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline.
There is no single required major, but some degrees align especially well with planetary science research.
- Geology or Earth and planetary sciences
- Physics
- Astronomy or astrophysics
- Chemistry
- Mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering
- Computer science, data science, or applied mathematics
If your university offers planetary science courses, take them early.
Useful classes include mineralogy, geophysics, celestial mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, programming, and statistics.
A strong foundation in calculus and lab work also helps.
Students often benefit from choosing a major that matches the kind of planetary science they want to pursue.
For example, geology supports surface and tectonic studies, while physics and astronomy are useful for remote sensing and orbital dynamics.
Build research experience as early as possible
Research experience is one of the most important parts of becoming a planetary scientist.
Graduate admissions committees and employers look for evidence that you can ask scientific questions, analyze data, and communicate results.
Ways to gain experience include:
- Joining a professor’s research group
- Completing an undergraduate thesis or capstone project
- Applying for summer research programs
- Working with telescope, lab, or simulation data
- Presenting at student research conferences
National Science Foundation programs, NASA internships, and university research opportunities can give students direct exposure to planetary science methods.
Even projects outside planetary science can be valuable if they build skills in coding, laboratory analysis, or scientific writing.
Earn a graduate degree for most research careers
For most research, academic, and mission-oriented jobs, a graduate degree is expected.
A master’s degree can be useful, but a PhD is the standard credential for independent research positions in planetary science.
In graduate school, students usually specialize in a subfield such as planetary geology, geochemistry, atmospheric science, remote sensing, planetary interiors, or comparative planetology.
A doctoral program typically includes advanced coursework, qualifying exams, original research, and a dissertation based on publishable work.
When choosing a graduate program, look for faculty whose research matches your interests, access to mission data or laboratory facilities, and strong placement outcomes.
The adviser relationship matters as much as the institution name, because your research topic and mentorship will shape your career development.
Choose a specialization that matches your interests
Planetary science includes many career directions, and specialization helps define your research identity.
If you want to know how to become a planetary scientist in a practical sense, this is the stage where your training becomes focused.
Planetary geology
Planetary geologists study landforms, volcanoes, impact craters, tectonics, and surface evolution.
They often analyze imagery from missions such as Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or data from rover missions.
Planetary atmospheres
Scientists in this area examine weather, climate, atmospheric chemistry, and circulation on planets and moons.
Their tools include spectroscopy, climate models, and spacecraft observations.
Planetary interiors
This specialization focuses on cores, mantles, heat flow, and magnetic fields.
Researchers often use geophysics, numerical modeling, and comparisons with Earth materials.
Small bodies and Solar System formation
Researchers study asteroids, comets, meteorites, and the early history of the Solar System to understand how planets formed and evolved.
Astrobiology
Astrobiologists examine the conditions needed for life, biosignatures, and the habitability of worlds such as Mars or icy ocean moons.
Develop the technical skills employers expect
Technical ability matters throughout a planetary science career.
Strong candidates can move between science questions and the tools used to answer them.
- Programming: Python is especially valuable for data analysis, visualization, and automation.
- Statistics: Experimental design, uncertainty analysis, and model evaluation are central to research.
- Remote sensing: Learning to interpret images, spectral data, and radar observations is useful in many roles.
- GIS and mapping: Geographic information systems support surface analysis and spatial interpretation.
- Modeling: Numerical simulations are common in atmospheric, orbital, and geophysical studies.
- Laboratory methods: Sample analysis, spectroscopy, and instrument calibration are valuable in geochemistry and planetary analog work.
Soft skills matter too.
Scientific writing, teamwork, presentation skills, and time management are essential in research groups, mission teams, and collaborative projects.
Gain experience with missions and observatories
Planetary science is closely tied to real-world missions.
Many scientists work with data from NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and other space agencies.
Familiarity with mission archives and observatory datasets can make you a stronger candidate.
Useful platforms and resources include planetary data archives, telescope databases, and mission websites that publish images, spectra, and instrument documentation.
Learning to work with public datasets demonstrates initiative and prepares you for professional research.
Students can also look for internships at NASA centers, research laboratories, observatories, museums, and aerospace contractors.
These experiences connect classroom learning to mission operations, data analysis, and scientific collaboration.
Understand the main career settings
Planetary scientists work in several environments, each with different expectations and career paths.
- Universities: Faculty members teach, mentor students, and lead research programs.
- Government agencies: Agencies such as NASA and national laboratories support mission science, analysis, and policy-adjacent work.
- Research institutes: These organizations often focus on mission data, theory, and collaborative projects.
- Private aerospace companies: Industry roles may involve instrument development, analysis pipelines, or mission support.
- Museums and science centers: Some scientists combine research with public education and outreach.
Academic careers usually require a PhD plus postdoctoral experience.
Nonacademic roles may value advanced research training alongside engineering, programming, or mission operations expertise.
Prepare a strong application for graduate school or jobs
Once you have research experience and a clear area of interest, build application materials that show scientific maturity.
Strong applications are specific and evidence-based.
- A transcript with solid grades in math and science
- Research experience with clear responsibilities and outcomes
- Letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors
- A focused statement of purpose
- Evidence of programming, lab, or analytical skills
- Conference posters, presentations, or publications if available
For graduate school, tailor your application to programs where the faculty do work aligned with your interests.
For jobs, emphasize the methods, tools, and projects most relevant to the position.
Stay current with the field
Planetary science changes quickly as new mission data, instruments, and discoveries reshape the field.
Staying current helps you identify opportunities and speak the language of the discipline.
Follow journals, mission updates, conference proceedings, and professional societies.
The American Geophysical Union, the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society, and NASA mission pages are useful starting points.
Attending conferences and reading recent papers can also help you refine your interests and expand your network.
If you are serious about how to become a planetary scientist, focus on three things consistently: build a strong science foundation, get hands-on research experience, and choose a specialization that matches your curiosity and strengths.