New Comprehensive Geologic Map of the Moon Released
USGS Astrogeology training astronauts Meteor Crater
Close Up on Jezero Crater on Mars
Lunar Resources at Astrogeology
Learn about USGS Astrogeology's mission science in planetary critical minerals, energy, and resources
Learn about USGS Astrogeology's mission science in planetary critical minerals, energy, and resources
Astrogeology Science Center
Our mission is to serve the Nation, the international planetary science community, and the public in pursuit of new knowledge of our solar system. The USGS Astrogeology Science Center is a national resource for the integration of planetary geoscience, cartography, and remote sensing.
News
September 22nd: Art and Science Converge at USGS for a Flagstaff Festival of Science Exhibition
September 22nd: Art and Science Converge at USGS for a Flagstaff Festival of Science Exhibition
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4604-4606: Taking a Deep Breath of Martian Air
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4604-4606: Taking a Deep Breath of Martian Air
Our Happy Place!: FSC Annual Poster Social Convened
Our Happy Place!: FSC Annual Poster Social Convened
Publications
Ultramafic float rocks at Jezero crater (Mars): Excavation of lower crustal rocks or mantle peridotites by impact cratering? Ultramafic float rocks at Jezero crater (Mars): Excavation of lower crustal rocks or mantle peridotites by impact cratering?
Based on observation and data from meteorites and in situ scientific missions, experiments as well as models, the Martian mantle is assumed to share some compositional and mineralogical affinity with the terrestrial mantle. However, there might be subtle differences like the Martian mantle being more ferroan. Yet, we do not have any direct analysis of a Martian mantle rock to confirm...
Summer snow determines the depth to ice-cemented ground under dry permafrost in Antarctica Summer snow determines the depth to ice-cemented ground under dry permafrost in Antarctica
Dry permafrost underlain by ice-cemented permafrost has been reported in several locations in Antarctica. Initially thought to be relic ice, it is now understood that this subsurface ice is in equilibrium with the surface conditions, although it is not in equilibrium with the atmosphere. We use year-round data from University Valley in the Dry Valleys and Elephant Head in the Ellsworth...
Rare earth elements on the Moon Rare earth elements on the Moon
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a scarce but vital resource for our modern economies and lifestyles. Since the late 1990s, China has supplied the vast majority of the world’s refined REEs. Increasing global demand has broadened the search for REE deposits to unconventional places, including the Moon. Although most lunar rocks have very low REE concentrations, Apollo samples showed that...
Science
Eyes on Earth Episode 137 – Landsat Takes Yellowstone’s Temperature
How do you keep track of thousands of hot spots in an area the size of Yellowstone National Park? Check out thermal satellite data like Landsat’s!
Python Hyperspectral Analysis Tool (PyHAT)
The Python Hyperspectral Analysis Tool (PyHAT) provides access to data processing, analysis, and machine learning capabilities for spectroscopic applications. It includes a GUI so you can get straight to analyzing data without writing any code. Or, if you are comfortable writing code, PyHAT can be imported just like any other Python package.
Analysis Ready Data
Astrogeology is a world leader in developing and releasing analysis-ready planetary science data sets that are approachable and usable by anyone. We take care of all of the processing and provide data that "just work" so that users can focus on what interests them instead of getting stuck on data processing.