<p>Exploration of planetary atmospheres and surfaces combines a broad range of expertise and skills such as remote sensing data processing and analysis, surface structure modelling, atmospheric science, volcanic modelling, and sub-surface geophysical processing and interpretation to allow us to take advantage of the available planetary data to address key questions in planetary science. Atmospheric science is an important aspect of planetary research, focused on interpreting how the motion and composition of planetary atmospheres can lead to understanding of the origin and evolution of planetary systems. Astronomical bodies retain an atmosphere when their escape velocity is significantly larger than the average molecular velocity of the gases present in the atmosphere. The atmospheres of the planets in our solar system are remarkably different with hugely variable compositions, temperatures and pressures. Planets such as Venus, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune have significant atmospheres. Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is known to have a thick atmosphere. Perhaps the most widely studied meteorology outside Earth is that of the Martian atmosphere, observing carbon-dioxide ice clouds and their dynamics, and quantifying the occurrence and development of dust storms. Present day Mars has a relatively thin atmosphere, although it was much thicker in its past and it has since been lost. Another area of atmospheric research involves observations of the deep, tumultuous atmosphere of Jupiter, particularly its polar cyclones. Planetary surfaces are found in planets, asteroids and natural moons throughout the solar system and surface conditions, temperatures and terrain vary significantly. Besides Earth, humans have only directly explored the surface of the Moon, and indirect observations of many other planetary surfaces have been made through fly-bys, orbiters, landers and other surface probes. Surface samples have been collected from the Moon, Mars and asteroids, and some have been returned to Earth. This contribution illustrates some key characteristics of the solar system, contrasting its terrestrial and giant planets in terms of surfaces and atmospheres to highlight their large variety. Then it briefly summarizes key steps in the history of the solar system exploration from space, highlighting some important findings for the major planetary targets and questions still outstanding. A few significant targets are illustrated in more detail, highlighting key recent findings for Mars’ surface, Jupiter’s atmosphere and Titan’s surface and atmosphere. The discussion of how atmospheres connect to the interior of planets is beyond the scope of this communication.</p>

The exploration of atmospheres and surfaces of the planets

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年3月2日

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Cinzia Zuffada,
Julie Castillo-Rogez

摘要

Exploration of planetary atmospheres and surfaces combines a broad range of expertise and skills such as remote sensing data processing and analysis, surface structure modelling, atmospheric science, volcanic modelling, and sub-surface geophysical processing and interpretation to allow us to take advantage of the available planetary data to address key questions in planetary science. Atmospheric science is an important aspect of planetary research, focused on interpreting how the motion and composition of planetary atmospheres can lead to understanding of the origin and evolution of planetary systems. Astronomical bodies retain an atmosphere when their escape velocity is significantly larger than the average molecular velocity of the gases present in the atmosphere. The atmospheres of the planets in our solar system are remarkably different with hugely variable compositions, temperatures and pressures. Planets such as Venus, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune have significant atmospheres. Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is known to have a thick atmosphere. Perhaps the most widely studied meteorology outside Earth is that of the Martian atmosphere, observing carbon-dioxide ice clouds and their dynamics, and quantifying the occurrence and development of dust storms. Present day Mars has a relatively thin atmosphere, although it was much thicker in its past and it has since been lost. Another area of atmospheric research involves observations of the deep, tumultuous atmosphere of Jupiter, particularly its polar cyclones. Planetary surfaces are found in planets, asteroids and natural moons throughout the solar system and surface conditions, temperatures and terrain vary significantly. Besides Earth, humans have only directly explored the surface of the Moon, and indirect observations of many other planetary surfaces have been made through fly-bys, orbiters, landers and other surface probes. Surface samples have been collected from the Moon, Mars and asteroids, and some have been returned to Earth. This contribution illustrates some key characteristics of the solar system, contrasting its terrestrial and giant planets in terms of surfaces and atmospheres to highlight their large variety. Then it briefly summarizes key steps in the history of the solar system exploration from space, highlighting some important findings for the major planetary targets and questions still outstanding. A few significant targets are illustrated in more detail, highlighting key recent findings for Mars’ surface, Jupiter’s atmosphere and Titan’s surface and atmosphere. The discussion of how atmospheres connect to the interior of planets is beyond the scope of this communication.