4 New Planetary Science Books Shaping 2025 Discoveries

What happens when expertise in geology, space physics, and planetary habitability converge? Martin Volwerk, Melissa McGrath, Xianzhe Jia, and Tilman Spohn pool their multidisciplinary knowledge to deliver a detailed account of Ganymede, the Solar System's largest moon and unique for its intrinsic magnetic field. This book guides you through Ganymede's discovery, formation, and surface features, enriched by data from Galileo and the Hubble Space Telescope. It offers precise surface maps and insightful discussions on Ganymede’s atmosphere and space environment, making it especially useful if you're engaged in planetary research or graduate-level study in planetary science.

The breakthrough moment came when NASA’s Discovery Program shifted the paradigm of planetary exploration toward smaller, cost-effective missions that still deliver significant scientific insights. Drawing from interviews with key players—program managers, engineers, and scientists—this book reveals how innovative management and engineering approaches yielded missions that pushed technological and scientific boundaries. You’ll learn how these streamlined projects balance budget constraints with ambitious goals, making it an insightful read if you’re interested in the practical realities of space mission design and execution. This book particularly suits those fascinated by NASA’s evolving strategies and the behind-the-scenes challenges of planetary science missions.

This personalized book explores the freshest breakthroughs in planetary science as of 2025, focusing on the discoveries and research most relevant to your interests. It examines emerging knowledge about planetary atmospheres, geology, and new mission data, providing a tailored deep dive that matches your background and goals. By emphasizing the latest scientific findings and ongoing explorations, this book invites you to engage directly with the cutting-edge developments shaping our understanding of planets and moons in the solar system and beyond. The tailored content ensures you stay ahead, focusing on what truly matters to you within this rapidly evolving field.

Drawing from the collective expertise of the National Academies of Sciences and Medicine, this report maps out the coming decade in planetary science and astrobiology with remarkable clarity. It lays out key scientific questions—from the origins of our solar system to the conditions that might support life elsewhere—and prioritizes missions that could transform our understanding of planets and habitability. You’ll explore how the report integrates planetary defense and human exploration, along with necessary technological and infrastructural advancements. This work suits those deeply engaged in space research, mission planning, and astrobiology who want a detailed strategic framework for future exploration.

Drawing from her expertise as a planetary scientist, Sabine Stanley takes you on a revealing exploration beneath planetary surfaces, from Earth's fiery core to distant icy moons. You learn about the forces shaping planets—extreme heat, magnetic fields, and seismic activity—and how these hidden interiors drive phenomena like auroras and volcanoes. The book offers chapters that peel back layers from cosmic dust origins to tectonic shifts, giving you a detailed understanding of planetary formation and internal dynamics. If you're intrigued by what makes planets tick beyond their visible surfaces, this book provides a clear and engaging guide to those mysteries.