Astrogeology

/ˌæstroʊdʒiˈɑːlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The branch of geology that studies the composition, structure, and physical features of planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies.

Etymology

From 'astro-' (star/space) + 'geology' (study of Earth). This field developed as a distinct discipline in the 1960s when the Apollo program brought back Moon samples for scientific analysis.

Kelly Says

Astrogeology proved that we could literally hold pieces of other worlds in our hands—the Moon rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts were studied by geologists who became the first humans to examine another celestial body's geology directly.

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