Ep. 12 - Comparative Planetology

In this episode of Space on Earth, Taylor, Hattie Rose, Tulsi, and Wyatt dive into comparative planetology—the science of understanding other planets by comparing them to Earth. They explore how we use remote sensing, rovers, and past missions to study the geology of Mars, the Moon, and Venus, revealing insights about Earth’s own history. Wyatt shares how lunar samples from Apollo missions changed our understanding of the Moon’s formation and its role in stabilizing Earth’s climate. Hattie highlights Mars as a geologic time capsule, preserving features lost to time on Earth, and explains how missions from Viking to Perseverance are helping answer the big question: was Mars ever home to life? Tulsi contrasts Venus’s similarities and extreme differences with Earth, including its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere and backward spin. The episode wraps with a look toward future missions and how New Mexico has contributed to planetary exploration. Curious about other worlds? Tune in to discover how studying the planets helps us understand our own.