Planetary science at Edinburgh spans the full journey from the formation of planets to the potential for life beyond Earth. Our research brings together observation, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, theory, and cutting-edge technology to explore worlds across the Solar System and far beyond. The four themes below reflect the core strengths of our community and the interdisciplinary approach that drives our discoveries. Solar System Science Our Solar System provides the closest and most accessible laboratory for understanding how planets, moons, comets, and asteroids form, evolve, and interact. Exoplanetary Science Planets orbiting other stars offer profound insights into the diversity of worlds in our galaxy. Our exoplanetary research spans discovery, characterisation, and theory—probing atmospheres, climates, and habitability beyond the Solar System. Astrobiology and the Origins of Life Astrobiology asks one of the biggest scientific questions: How does life begin, and where could it exist? Mission Science Planetary science advances through exploration—and Edinburgh plays a key role in designing, developing, and enabling that exploration. This article was published on 2025-12-15
