How to Be Planetary Scientist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 3, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The discovery of water on Mars has had a profound effect on the field of Planetary Science. It has opened up new possibilities for understanding the evolution of the planet and its potential for supporting life. This discovery has also prompted an influx of new research, as scientists race to uncover more secrets about the Red Planet.

To further the exploration, NASA and other space agencies have launched several spacecrafts that are capable of studying the Martian environment in greater detail. These probes have provided invaluable data about the planet's climate, geology, and atmosphere, which can help scientists better understand its history and its potential for habitability. In addition, the recent discoveries of exoplanets, or planets outside our Solar System, has opened up even more areas of study for planetary scientists.

As more information is uncovered, these discoveries will continue to shape the field and provide new insights into our own Solar System and beyond.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To pursue a career in planetary science, students should strive to obtain a bachelor's degree in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, or a related field.
Take Courses in Planetary Science. While completing a bachelor's degree, students should also focus on taking courses in planetary science. This may include courses in planetary geology, astrobiology, meteorites, astronomy, and more.
Participate in Research. To gain experience in the field of planetary science, students should seek out research opportunities. These may include working with faculty or research institutions, or volunteering for research projects.
Pursue a Master's Degree. To further their education and gain additional skills, students may opt to pursue a master's degree in planetary science or related fields.
Join Professional Organizations. Students should also consider joining professional organizations related to their field of study, such as the American Astronomical Society or the American Geophysical Union.
Obtain a Doctorate Degree. To become a planetary scientist, students must complete a doctoral program in planetary science or related fields. During this program, students will conduct extensive research in order to complete their dissertation and obtain their degree.
Seek Employment Opportunities. After completing a doctoral program, students should begin to seek employment opportunities in planetary science. These may include positions with universities, research institutions, or government agencies.

Planetary scientists are reliable and capable individuals who have dedicated their lives to the study of the solar system, galaxies, and other related topics. They have a deep understanding of the properties, forces, and interactions of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. As a result of their expertise, planetary scientists are equipped with the necessary skills to explore the cosmos and understand its mysterious components.

They play a key role in space exploration and discovery, using their knowledge to identify potential new planets and analyze their characteristics. planetary scientists are capable of predicting the behavior and physical characteristics of celestial objects over time. Through their work, they help us gain a better understanding of our own place in the universe.

You may want to check Paleoclimatologist, Invertebrate Paleontologist, and Geomicrobiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Planetary Geologist: Studies the physical features and evolution of planetary surfaces and interiors.
Planetary Atmosphere Scientist: Studies the evolution and dynamics of planetary atmospheres.
Planetary Magnetosphere Scientist: Studies the magnetic fields and charged particles that surround planets.
Astrobiologist: Investigates the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.
Astrogeophysicist: Studies the physical processes that govern the structure and evolution of planetary bodies.
Spacecraft Systems Engineer: Designs, builds, and operates spacecrafts used to explore other planets.
Remote Sensing Scientist: Analyzes data from satellites and other instruments to study planetary surfaces and atmospheres.
Planetary Modeler: Develops computer models to simulate the evolution of planetary systems.
Planetary Cartographer: Creates maps of planetary surfaces using data from satellite images and other instruments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of planetary geology and geophysics
Knowledge of planetary surface processes
Knowledge of planetary atmospheres
Understanding of planetary formation and evolution
Knowledge of spacecraft operations and instrumentation
Knowledge of astronomical techniques, such as spectroscopy
Proficiency in computer programming and numerical modeling
Ability to design experiments and analyze scientific data
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues
Ability to communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively, both orally and in writing

Being a planetary scientist requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. To be successful in this field, one must have strong analytical and research skills, as well as a deep understanding of astronomy, physics, and planetary geology. knowledge of computer programming and data analysis techniques can be beneficial for the analysis of large data sets.

the ability to work with a variety of people from different disciplines is essential for successful collaboration. Good communication skills are also necessary for presenting research findings and results to the public and for communicating with other scientists in the field. the most important skill for a planetary scientist is having a passion for exploring the unknown and a drive to uncover new discoveries about our universe.

Seismic Interpreter, Geothermal Specialist, and Paleobotanist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in planetary science?
How do you stay up to date with advancements in the field?
What is your experience working with space data sets?
What challenges have you faced while studying the planets?
Tell me about a research project you have completed related to planetary science.
How do you maintain an objective view when interpreting data?
Describe a time when you had to adjust your plans based on new data or findings.
What methods do you use to identify potential sources of new data?
How do you ensure accuracy when analyzing data related to planetary science?
What has been the most rewarding part of your work in planetary science?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. (Geographic Information Systems) GIS software allows scientists to analyze, visualize, and manage geographic data. Example: ArcGIS.
Remote Sensing Software. (e. g. ERDAS Imagine) Remote sensing software is used to capture and process data from satellites and aerial images. Example: ERDAS Imagine.
CAD Software. (Computer Aided Design) CAD software allows for the design and creation of three dimensional models. Example: AutoCAD.
Spectrometer Software. (e. g. ISIS) Spectrometer software is used to analyze the composition of substances. Example: ISIS.
Image Processing Software. (e. g. ENVI) Image processing software is used to manipulate images from satellites or aerial photographs. Example: ENVI.
Mapping Software. (e. g. ArcGIS) Mapping software is used to create maps, visualize data, and present geographic information. Example: ArcGIS.
Data Analysis Software. (e. g. MATLAB) Data analysis software helps scientists analyze and interpret large amounts of data. Example: MATLAB.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geophysical Union (AGU)
American Astronomical Society (AAS)
Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS)
European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC)
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Planetary Science Institute (PSI)
SETI Institute (SI)
The International Association of Planetary Sciences (IAPS)

We also have Palynologist, Geostatistician, and Stratigrapher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Astronomy. The study of the universe and its contents, including stars, planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
Astrophysics. The branch of astronomy that studies the physical and chemical properties of matter in space.
Cosmology. The branch of astronomy that studies the origin and evolution of the universe.
Geology. The scientific study of the Earth, its composition, structure, and history.
Planetary Science. The interdisciplinary field that studies the formation, evolution, and composition of planets and moons in the Solar System and beyond.
Astrobiology. The study of life in the universe, including its origin, evolution, distribution, and future.
Remote Sensing. The use of aerial or satellite-based imaging to collect data about the Earths surface.
Spacecraft Design. The engineering of spacecraft for exploration and research of space.
Space Propulsion. The engineering of propulsion systems for spacecraft.
Data Analysis. The interpretation and analysis of data from experiments and observations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of scientist studies planets?

A Planetary Scientist specializes in the study of planets and other celestial bodies.

How many planets are in the Solar System?

There are eight planets in the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

What is the closest planet to Earth?

The closest planet to Earth is Venus.

What type of tools do Planetary Scientists use for their research?

Planetary Scientists use a variety of tools such as ground and space-based telescopes, spacecrafts, satellites, and computer modeling to study planets.