German Society for Planetary Research: A milestone in Münster!

German Society for Planetary Research: A milestone in Münster!

Today, on May 14, 2025, the “German Society for Planetary Research” (DGP) will be founded at the University of Münster. This initiative, led by Dr. Bastian Gundlach, Professor of Experimental and Analytical Planetology at the Institute of Planetology (IfP), aims to network the planetary research community in Germany. The official founding will take place tomorrow, May 15th.

A central concern of the DGP is the creation of white papers that unite the visions of those involved and are intended to reach political decision-makers. These are intended to serve as guidelines for future space missions. In addition, the promotion of young scientists, including through summer schools, is seen as an important aspect.

Goals and principles of the DGP

In addition, the DGP aims to become a national contact for international partner companies such as “Europlanet”. The IfP in Münster has earned a special place in the German research community through its unique research focus. The history of the institute goes back to former directors of the German Aerospace Center and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research.

Renowned institutions were invited to found the DGP, including the University of Würzburg, the Free University of Berlin, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen and the DLR Institute for Space Research in Berlin. The founding meeting aims to promote knowledge exchange and develop new research ideas.

Research priorities of the IfP

The IfP deals intensively with the development of planetary bodies in space and time. Within this research work, the focus is on the origin and evolution research of planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids and comets. There will also be a further focus on the search and research of extrasolar planets.

The scientific work is based on “comparative planetary science” with the aim of better understanding the history of the Earth’s development in its cosmic environment. This also includes examining the origins of life on Earth and the prerequisites for life on other celestial bodies.

• Thematische Schwerpunkte der Forschung sind:
• Zusammensetzung, Struktur und Alter planetarer Krusten.
• Geologische, geochemische, mineralogische und physikalische Charakterisierung der Oberflächen.
• Topographische Kartierung und Berechnung der Gestalt planetarer Körper.
• Modellrechnungen zur Ableitung des inneren Aufbaus und der globalen Entwicklung.
• Untersuchung der Atmosphärenzusammensetzung, Dynamik und Veränderungen.
• Wechselwirkungen zwischen Planeteninnerem, Oberfläche und Atmosphäre.

To achieve these goals, various methods are used. These include remote sensing experiments on space probes, in-situ investigations with experiments on lander probes, as well as ground-based telescope observations and laboratory experiments. Theoretical modeling also plays an important role in research.

Space exploration and international cooperation

Space exploration as a whole focuses on the origins and evolution of the solar system and the potential existence of life in the universe. This research effort analyzes planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets. Of particular interest are places that may be friendly to life, such as Mars and the moons of Saturn and Jupiter.

The German Society for Planetary Research is embedded in this international context because DLR is a respected partner in international exploration missions. It brings its scientific and technological expertise to the study of the interplay between the geosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, which is crucial for sustaining life on Earth.

Overall, the founding of the DGP at the University of Münster marks an important step towards promoting planetary research in Germany and creating a strong network within the international scientific community.