Planetary Science seeks to understand how planets work, using observations from telescopes and spacecraft; laboratory analysis of samples from the Moon, Mars, and meteorites; and theoretical models of thermal, dynamical and physical processes.  Planetary Science combines the work of scientists and engineers to explore other worlds and return observations that, upon reflection, allow us to understand our own planet and its place in the universe.  NIA faculty are actively involved in the investigation of the Moon, Mars, Vesta, Ceres, Europa and the Jupiter system.