PhD in Planetary Science - Exoplanets and Planetary Astronomy in Pasadena United States | California Institute of Technology

Caltech offers a robust observational astronomy program focused on planetary science. Heather Knutson specializes in analyzing exoplanet atmospheres, while Mike Brown and Katherine de Kleer examine celestial objects within our solar system. Konstantin Batygin researches the orbital dynamics of distant planets, particularly investigating chaotic gravitational interactions. Geoff Blake observes protoplanetary disks and star-forming regions. Shri Kulkarni leads diverse astronomical studies encompassing asteroids and transient cosmic events. The institute maintains privileged access to global observatories and plays a key role in Hubble and the forthcoming James Webb Space Telescope missions. These planetary observations inform studies of celestial mechanics, atmospheric conditions, internal structures, and surface features, while also inspiring new space mission designs and instrument development.