Theoretical planetology

Theoretical planetologists, also known as theoretical planetary scientists, use modelling techniques to develop an understanding of the internal structure of planets by making assumptions about their chemical composition and the state of their materials, then calculating the radial distribution of various properties such as temperature, pressure, or density of material across the planet's internals.

[5] Theoretical planetologists may use laboratory experiments to understand various phenomena analogous to planetary processes, such as convection in rotating fluids.

[7] Typically a theoretical planetologist will have to have had higher education in physics, astronomy, geophysics, or planetary science, at PhD doctorate level.

Example movies exhibiting this relation are the 4-minute "The Origin of the Moon"[8] One of the major successes of theoretical planetology is the prediction and subsequent confirmation of volcanism on Io.

[1][2] The prediction was made by Stanton J. Peale who wrote a scientific paper claiming that Io must be volcanically active that was published one week before Voyager 1 encountered Jupiter.

Sequence of New Horizons images showing Io's volcano Tvashtar spewing material 330 km above its surface. The discovery of volcanism on Io in 1979 by the Voyager 1 spacecraft confirmed the previous prediction made by theoretical planetology and is considered one of the major successes of theoretical planetology. [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
Diagram showing Earth's magnetic field : theoretical planetologists study many aspects of planetary bodies, such as how their magnetic fields are generated in their cores. [ 5 ]
Scientific visualisation of an extremely large simulation of a Rayleigh–Taylor instability caused by two mixing fluids. [ 6 ] Theoretical planetology uses computer graphics , scientific visualisation, and fluid dynamics extensively. [ 7 ] [ 8 ]
Theoretical planetologists study atmospheric circulation over planets.