New Comprehensive Geologic Map of the Moon Released
USGS Astrogeology training astronauts Meteor Crater
Close Up on Jezero Crater on Mars
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
Curiosity Blog: Sols 4491-4492: Classic Field Geology Pose
Curiosity Blog: Sols 4491-4492: Classic Field Geology Pose
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Possible Impact Raised Eyebrows: Skywatchers Continue Working as Guardians of Earth
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Possible Impact Raised Eyebrows: Skywatchers Continue Working as Guardians of Earth
Sols 4464-4465: Making Good Progress
Sols 4464-4465: Making Good Progress
Publications
From hydrated silica to quartz: Potential hydrothermal precipitates found in Jezero crater, Mars
On Earth, silica-rich phases from opal to quartz are important indicators and tracers of geological processes. Hydrated silica, such as opal, is a particularly good matrix for the preservation of molecular and macroscopic biosignatures. Cherts, a type of silica-dominated rocks, provide a unique archive of ancient terrestrial life while quartz is the emblematic mineral of the Earth's...
Characterizing Meteor Crater impact melts through geochemistry and textural analysis
The U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center houses the Meteor Crater sample collection, an assemblage of over 2,500 meters of cuttings from 161 drill holes into Meteor Crater’s rim, flanks, and ejecta blanket. We have utilized this unique collection to study the composition and spatial distribution of impact-generated materials from within the ejecta blanket. Meteor Crater has...
Pediment formation and subsequent erosion in Gale crater: Clues to the climate history of Mars
Evidence of paleo-rivers, fans, deltas, lakes, and channel networks across Mars has prompted much debate about what climate conditions would permit the formation of these surface water derived features. Pediments, gently sloping erosional surfaces of low relief developed in bedrock, have also been identified on Mars. On Earth, these erosional landforms, often thought to be created by...
Science
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.
Planetary Volcanology
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volcanology. Volcanism is a key part of the chemical and thermal evolution of planetary bodies, and volcanic eruptions are one of the fundamental processes that create and alter the surface of planetary bodies. We often study volcanoes on Earth in order to better understand eruptions across the Solar System, but we also bring...