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USGS Astrogeology

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USGS Astrogeology

USGS Astrogeology has helped NASA explore the solar system by providing scientific and map-making expertise for more than 50 years. Posts do not = endorsement.

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07/27/2026

We're making your planetary science work easier with improved workflow integration!

The Imaging Software for Imagers and Spectrometers has been used for decades to support planetary data and image processing and we're ready to unveil the next generation of support:

🛰️Cloud-optimized data support: Enables faster, seamless streaming of massive planetary datasets directly from cloud storage, eliminating the need for heavy local file downloads.
🛰️Modernized interface for seamless integration: Features a clean, updated user interface and streamlined backend connectivity for a smoother experience across your tools.
🛰️New support for Chandrayaan-2 cameras: Introduces compatibility for processing data from India's lunar orbiter, specifically targeting the Terrain Mapping Camera-2 (TMC2) and the Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC).
🛰️Modern architecture to meet you at your operating system: Built from the ground up to run natively across modern environments, providing native binary support for both Linux and Mac setups.

Find the new release, trainings, tools, and tutorials at this link: https://isis.astrogeology.usgs.gov/10.0.0/

📸1: Collage of planets and moons in the center with icons on the outside representing major updates to the next major version release of the software.
📸2: Earth's moon with text at the top describing "Cloud-ready" architecture
📸3: Mars with text at the top describing expanded support for operating systems
📸4: Jupiter's moon, Europa, with text at the top describing added spacecraft instruments
📸5: Pluto with text at the top describing enhanced backend interface with SPICE

07/20/2026

Happy International Moon Day! Today we commemorate the first humans landing on the Moon and celebrate ongoing lunar exploration. 🌝

Lunar mapping and exploration have been part of USGS Astrogeology’s story from the beginning. Today, we continue that legacy through projects focused on mapping, landing site characterization, resource utilization, and fundamental research. From the footsteps that that first mapped the Moon to the instruments that reveal it in sharper detail than ever, Astrogeology’s research continues to advance our understanding of this world beyond Earth.

📸1: Photo of the lunar limb with text highlighting "Old data, new views" Image Credit: NASA
📸2: Unified Geologic Map of the Moon, produced using information from six Apollo-era regional maps and updated information from recent missions. Image Credit: USGS/LPI/SDSM
📸3: Oblique image of the central peak of Tycho crater taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter satellite. Image Credit: LRO/Intuitive Machines
📸4: Simulated image of the JAXA SELENE Kaguya mission orbiting the Moon. Image Credit: JAXA

07/10/2026

From footprints into the future 🥾

Astronaut training is a big part of the lunar legacy at USGS Astrogeology, and Jim Skinner (pictured, right) continues building our geology program. Jim is leading USGS’s ongoing geology training contributions for NASA’s astronaut program and reconnected with some "old friends!"

Jack Schmitt (pictured, center) was a geologist with Astrogeology until being selected as an Apollo astronaut and a member of the elite few who have walked on the Moon. The first scientist to do so, Jack is being followed by many more scientists, doctors, and engineers joining the astronaut corps to get their own view of the Moon.

Lauren Edgar (pictured, left) has recently joined the astronaut candidate class, becoming the second Astrogeologist to join the astronaut corps. A Mars scientist, Lauren already has a strong background in planetary geology, having been a former astronaut trainer with Astrogeology herself!

Learn from yesterday. Explore today. Shape tomorrow.

📸1: Photo of three Astrogeologists reconnecting: Lauren Edgar (left), current astronaut candidate class, Harrison (Jack) Schmitt (center), Apollo astronaut, and Jim Skinner (right), geologic mapper and USGS astronaut trainer! (Image credit: USGS)

📸2: Photo of astronaut candidate Dr. Lauren Edgar (Image credit: NASA)

📸3: Photo of Apollo astronaut Dr. Harrison "Jack" Schmitt (Image credit: NASA)

07/08/2026

Astrogeology and the Flagstaff Science Campus shares progress with USGS leadership 🚀

USGS Director Ned Mamula and members of the USGS Leadership Team recently visited the USGS Astrogeology Science Center and the Flagstaff Science Campus, where Director Mamula once worked, touring laboratories, meeting with employees, and learning about the innovative science and technology supporting planetary exploration. We even hosted several emeriti to reminisce and showcase all of the wonderful progress Astrogeology has made in the decades since our establishment in the 1960s.

The Center conducts world-class research that connects Earth to our solar system. This includes hosting vast volumes of planetary imagery and data, developing software to process it, advancing landing site characterization and validation techniques, and supporting astronaut training tied to the nation’s lunar exploration legacy.

The visit included:
🌟Hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge planetary mapping software.
🌟Tours of historical mission artifacts and Meteor Crater drill cores.
🌟A visit to the Cinder Lake Crater Field, where astronauts from Apollo to Artemis train!

Many of these resources are also available to the public through open-source data and software, collaborations with our partners, and public tours!

Find out more about the visit in this news post and learn more about visiting the center at the link in our bio 👉https://ow.ly/4feT50ZlcIQ

📸1: Amber Gullikson (center) discusses the use and restoration of the Cinder Lake Crater Field with Director Mamula (center right) and Acting Southwest Regional Director Darrin Thome (right).

📸2: Research Physical Scientist Greg Vaughan (left) provides an engaging and informative tour of Astrogeology, starting with our Lobby.

📸3: Planetary Geographer David Mayer describes planetary photogrammetry with Dr. Mamula.

📸4: Amber Gullikson (left) and Director Mamula (right) discuss cooperation and management of Cinder Lake, an ongoing project between the USGS and the Forest Service.

06/30/2026

Ready to rock your world? Asteroid Day lands June 30! ☄️

Asteroid Day is a day of global awareness of asteroids and planetary defense, held annually on the anniversary of the Tunguska impact event in 1908.

USGS Astrogeology plays a critical role in planetary defense and near-Earth object (NEO) research by mapping, computer modeling, and analyzing the hazards of potential asteroid impacts. From historic events like the impacts that created Meteor Crater and Chicxulub to cutting-edge planetary defense research, there's a whole universe of knowledge to explore!

📸1: Astro researchers descend into Meteor Crater, learning more about the best-preserved impact crater in the world

📸2: Near-Earth Asteroid Eros, imaged by the spacecraft NEAR-Shoemaker, named for Astrogeology's founders

06/18/2026

Happy birthday, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter! 🎂

Seventeen years ago, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) blasted off to map the Moon in unprecedented detail. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) experiment launched with LRO, intentionally crashing into the Moon to investigate water ice and permanently shadowed craters. 🚀🌕

Since the launch, LRO's amazing images and global datasets have transformed how we explore, revealing safe landing zones, charting rugged terrain, and illuminating the Moon’s thermal and geologic story. And the story isn't done yet: USGS will continue working with LRO, expanding lunar mapping, hazard assessment, and data infrastructure to support future Artemis‑era missions and the next generation of lunar science.

Here’s to the mission that turned pixels into pathways for future astronauts and discoveries! Happy launchiversary, LRO! 🎉

📸1: Launch of LRO and LCROSS in 2009: LRO begins its journey to redefine lunar exploration.” (Credit: NASA)

📸2: Tycho crater central peak from an oblique angle, showing a house-sized boulder resting at the top. (Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University)

05/19/2026

🚀 Exciting times at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference this year!

USGS Astrogeology just wrapped up another incredible scientific conference where experts from around the globe gathered to share groundbreaking discoveries and ignite new ideas. From engaging presentations to networking opportunities, it’s all about pushing the boundaries of planetary science.

Lunar Mapping Program (LMAP) updates include new thermophysical and geomorphologic results and Planetary Geologic Mapping (PGM) updates are bringing increased accessibility with color vision deficient friendly color schemes. Software developments from our computer scientists include reaching users who are actively implementing our tools and providing new updates to the software to the community directly. Cutting-edge research in Mars and Moon exploration was also a hot topic - ever heard of Brain Terrain on Mars?

Check out the article linked below for more highlights and behind-the-scenes moments! 🌌✨

https://www.usgs.gov/centers/astrogeology-science-center/news/usgs-astrogeology-lpsc-2026-advancing-planetary-science

📸 Geographer Sonya Bogle, right, handing out maps, a hot commodity at LPSC.

05/04/2026

May the 4th Be with You!

It's not just science fiction, Planetary Defense at USGS is an active body of research, and protecting life and property is a core part of our mission at the Department of the Interior.

USGS Astrogeology has been researching hazards from space since the 1960s, and although we're not battling Star Destroyers, we'll do our best to inform you of rocky space invaders!

🎥: USGS Physical Scientist Dr. Lori Pigue explains past asteroid impacts and how the USGS is working to better understand potential hazards.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from our nearest neighbor, the Moon!

USGS Astrogeology studies all the planets in our solar system, and that includes ours too! These photos show a few of the different ways we research Earth features and processes.
The now-famous "Earth Set" photo from Artemis II as taken from the Moon shows a new perspective of our home: a crescent-shaped planet from the lunar horizon. We may forget that Earth is a planet within our Solar System, but it's a teacher and a guide into the universe.

In the field of Terrestrial Analogs, we compare features on Earth to those on other planetary bodies to learn more about how they formed. We also use Earth as a training ground, like with the Artemis astronauts descending into Meteor Crater for training - where else would they learn about features they may encounter on other planets and moons?

We don't just use Earth as a model for the rest of the Solar System - we can learn so much about Earth from the Moon, other planets, and asteroids. The building blocks of our planet can be found in asteroids and our Moon is made of the same stuff - we can learn more about Earth by looking to the skies!

📸1: Earth Set" photo from Artemis II showing a crescent Earth setting over the lunar limb, image credit: NASA
📸2: Dark blue lakes on Saturn's moon, Titan, (top) from Cassini compared to The Great Lakes (bottom)
📸3: Artemis astronauts hiking below the rim of Meteor Crater during astronaut training with USGS Astrogeology, image credit: NASA
📸4: Image mosaic of the Near-Earth Asteroid, Eros. Image credit: NASA/JPL/JHUAPL

04/10/2026

USGS Astrogeology: Where Dreams Take Flight 🚀

Since its founding in 1963 to support the Apollo program, the USGS Astrogeology Science Center has provided scientific expertise, mapped the Moon, trained astronauts in field geology, and tested equipment in the rugged terrain of northern Arizona—and it continues this work today.

At the center of this effort was Gene Shoemaker (📷 1), who founded the Astrogeology Branch of the USGS and saw the Moon not as a distant light, but as a field site. He dreamed of bringing geology to the stars and building a powerhouse of planetary science, where cartographers would apply terrestrial mapping techniques to other worlds.

Alongside Shoemaker stood pioneers like Baerbel Lucchitta (📷 2), who transformed early satellite imagery into intricate tapestries of Martian and lunar geography, proving that a steady hand and a sharp eye could map worlds we had yet to touch. Lucchitta authored a map covering the north side of the Moon, created the first geologic maps of Europa, and served as coordinator of the Galilean Satellites Geologic Mapping Program.

Now that the torch passes once more, that legacy of “dreaming in stone” reaches a new milestone. With the selection of Lauren Edgar (📷 3) for astronaut training, the USGS legacy enters its next great act. Edgar represents the modern synthesis of everything that came before: she carries the vision of Gene Shoemaker and the trailblazing spirit of Apollo astronaut and former USGS scientist Harrison Schmitt.

Learn more about Astrogeology’s multigenerational legacy—and Harrison Schmitt’s rise 👉: https://ow.ly/8pFU50YFKYQ

📸1: Eugene Shoemaker, founder of Astrogeology, with a rocket pack
📸2: Astrogeology Scientist Baerbel Lucchitta in front of an image of Mars
📸3: Former Astrogeology scientist Lauren Edgar, now Artemis Astronaut Candidate

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