Fundamental Questions Concerning the Solar System
To understand the various objects found within our solar system,
scientists pose five fundamental questions. Here, an “object” is
defined to be a planet, moon, asteroid, or comet
(1) Describe the object in detail – what is it ?
(2) What physical and geological processes are currently active on
or inside this object ?
(3) How and when did this object form ?
(4) How did this object evolve to its present state ?
(5) What can be predicted about its future evolution ?
Most of the activity in planetary science involves obtaining data to
address questions (1) and (2), which then helps inform theories
attempting to answer questions (3), (4), and (5).