Division for Planetary Sciences

Division for Planetary Sciences
Name	Division for Planetary Sciences
Founded	0 1968
Parent	American Astronomical Society
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Focus	Planetary science
Website	dps.aas.org

Division for Planetary Sciences. It is a leading professional organization dedicated to the advancement of planetary science, operating as a division within the American Astronomical Society. Founded in the late 1960s, it serves as the primary representative body for scientists studying Solar System bodies, exoplanets, and the fundamental processes of planetary formation and evolution. The division fosters research collaboration, organizes major scientific meetings, and advocates for the field within the broader scientific and public policy arenas.

History and formation

The division was established in 1968, a period of rapid growth in planetary science fueled by the early successes of the NASA Mariner program and in anticipation of data from the Apollo program. Key figures in its formation included prominent scientists from institutions like the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Its creation formalized planetary science as a distinct discipline within astronomy, providing a dedicated forum separate from broader meetings like those of the American Geophysical Union. The early years were shaped by the influx of data from missions to Mars, Venus, and the outer planets, solidifying its role in the scientific community.

Organization and governance

The division is governed by an elected Executive Committee, which includes a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary-Treasurer, and several Committee members, often drawn from leading research universities and NASA centers. Key administrative functions are supported by the American Astronomical Society executive office in Washington, D.C.. The division maintains several standing committees that oversee specific areas such as meetings, prizes, and education. Governance is closely tied to the parent society's bylaws, and leadership often includes scientists from prestigious institutions like the California Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Activities and programs

Its flagship activity is the annual DPS meeting, one of the world's premier conferences for presenting research on topics ranging from asteroid composition to giant planet atmospheres. The division actively supports early-career scientists through programs like the DPS Travel Grant and sessions at the meeting. It also organizes specialized workshops and topical conferences in collaboration with entities like the European Planetary Science Congress and the Lunar and Planetary Institute. A significant function is its role in providing expert advice to agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation on research priorities and mission planning.

Awards and recognition

The division administers several prestigious awards to honor scientific achievement. The highest honor is the Harold C. Urey Prize, awarded for outstanding achievement by a young planetary scientist. The Carl Sagan Medal recognizes excellence in public communication, while the Harold Masursky Award honors meritorious service to the field. Other significant awards include the Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award and the DPS Prize Lecture, which features work from recent recipients of the Urey Prize. These awards are often presented during the annual meeting, with ceremonies attended by leaders from NASA and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Publications and outreach

While not a primary publisher, the division strongly influences content in journals like Icarus, The Planetary Science Journal, and The Astrophysical Journal. It produces regular newsletters and maintains a comprehensive website with resources for members and the public. A major outreach initiative is its support for activities around events like the Great American Eclipse and partnerships with organizations such as the Planetary Society. The division also contributes to educational materials and public lectures, often featuring experts from the SETI Institute or the American Museum of Natural History.

Related organizations

The division maintains close ties with numerous sister organizations worldwide. Key partners include the American Geophysical Union's Planetology section and the European Geophysical Union. It collaborates frequently with the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston and the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson. Internationally, it works with the Committee on Space Research and the International Astronomical Union. Within the United States, it coordinates with other AAS divisions like the Division on Dynamical Astronomy and advocacy groups such as the American Institute of Physics.

Category:American Astronomical Society Category:Planetary science organizations Category:Scientific organizations based in the United States