How does the USGS map planets and moons?

The United States Geological Survey uses its Astrogeology Science Center to map planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in the Solar System. Established in 1963, the center processes mission data, aids in selecting landing sites for exploration vehicles, and conducts geological research. Its work builds on foundational planetary coordinate systems and mapping techniques to interpret surface morphology across rocky and gaseous bodies.

What we know

• The Astrogeology Science Center is the entity within the United States Geological Survey concerned with planetary geology and cartography. [5]
• Planetary geology includes the study of celestial bodies such as planets, their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites, linking closely with traditional Earth-based geology. [2]
• The Astrogeology Science Center was established in 1963 by Eugene Merle Shoemaker to provide lunar geologic mapping and assist in training astronauts for the Apollo program. [5]
• Planetary coordinate systems for solid bodies in the Solar System, establishing reference points and meridians, were largely created by Merton E. Davies. [4]

Where to go next

• whoWho was Eugene Shoemaker?
• whereWhere is the Astrogeology Science Center located?
• how it workedHow are planetary coordinate systems established?
• a case in pointHow is radar used to map Venus?
• the bigger pictureWhat is planetary geology?
• an unexpected connectionHow did the Apollo lunar program shape planetary cartography?The USGS center that maps planets and moons today was originally founded in 1963 specifically to map the Moon and train astronauts for the Apollo missions.

Sources

• [1]planetary geology (Wikidata Q751439) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Planetary geology · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Mapping of Venus · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Planetary coordinate system · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Astrogeology Research Program · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

1. Who is David Attenborough and how did his career begin?
2. /How does cavity QED help build a quantum computer?
3. /How does the USGS map planets and moons?