Introduction (to Planetary Geology)

Abstract

Planetary Geology encompasses several research fields. Its foundation and principles are rooted in geology but it heavily relies on remote sensing. It also borrows methods and tools from astronomy and astrophysics, matched with robotic and human fieldwork. Planetary geological observations began centuries ago based on astronomic observations, until the pre-spacecraft era. The birth of modern planetary geology is strongly linked the US/Soviet moon exploration. The future of robotic and human-robotic exploration will likely build on recent and upcoming technological development, as it kick-started few decades ago.