Exogeologists

Exogeologists are scientists who study the geology of worlds beyond Earth. The field covers the geology of the Solar System’s planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, and may extend to rocky exoplanets as data allow. Exogeology brings together geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and planetary science to understand formation, evolution, and surface processes.

Main topics include crustal composition, mineralogy, volcanism, tectonics, impact cratering, and regolith or sedimentary processes. Researchers examine how landscapes record past environments, atmospheric interactions, and internal heat, as well as how gravity and orbital dynamics shape geology on different bodies. Cryovolcanism on icy moons and subsurface oceans are also studied.

Methods rely on remote sensing from orbiters and landers, in-situ measurements, laboratory experiments, and computer modeling. Data come from mission instruments, meteorite studies, and, where available, sample-return analyses. Techniques such as crater counting, stratigraphic reconstruction, and geophysical sounding help infer internal structure and history.

Education and careers typically involve geology, geophysics, or planetary science. Exogeologists work in space agencies, research institutes, universities, and ongoing mission teams, often collaborating across disciplines and nations.

In exoplanet contexts, exogeology is largely theoretical, using models to explore possible surface conditions, tectonics, and volcanism based on indirect observations. Future telescope capabilities and potential direct probes may enable more empirical constraints.