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Open research questions in Planetary Science and Exploration

33 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 804 Planetary Science and Exploration papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • 3 max The Planetary Science Journal, 7:147 (14pp), 2026 June Trivedi et al. Appendix B; K. Wittmaack & A. Mutzke 2017; P. Szabo et al. 2022; L. S. Morrissey et al. 2023; A. Mutzke et al. 2024). We utilize both MC codes (SRIM/TRIM and SDTrimSP) to compare with our experimental results. We run TRIM simulations using pySRIM (C. Ostrouchov et al. 2018) for 1 million incident 1 keV D+ (2 amu hydrogen) ions interacting with a 60 nm-thick ilmenite layer (density of 4.78 g cm−3). We used the full cascade collision mode and obtained the energy partitioning into electronic and nuclear losses from the IONIZ and E2RECOIL files, respectively, and implantation profiles from the RANGE file (J. F. Ziegler et al. 2008). To compare TRIM with SDTrimSP, we run SDTrimSP simulations in static mode for an ilmenite target (thickness of 60 nm, composed of FeO and TiO2) for 1 million D+ ions at 1 keV. We employ the ZBL potential (W. D. Wilson et al. 1977; K. Wittmaack & A. Mutzke 2017; A. Mutzke et al. 2024), using Gauss–Legendre integration and the Lindhard– Scharff inelastic loss model for all calculations (J. Lindhard & M. Scharff 1961). The depth distributions of energy partition- ing and damage profiles are saved using the lenergy_- distr flag. We provide a comparison between TRIM and SDTrimSP in Appendix B. Given the agreement between the codes, we display the SDTrimSP profiles in Section 4.2.1, as it uses reliable stopping powers in the keV energy range (K. Wittmaack & A. Mutzke 2017). 2.3.2. Density Functional Theory Calculations as parameters were First-principles calculations for FeTiO3 were performed using the Quantum ESPRESSO package (P. Giannozzi et al. 2009), based on density functional theory (DFT; P. Hohenberg & W. Kohn 1964; W. Kohn & L. J. Sham 1965). The initial a = 5.53937 Å and set lattice , corresponding to hexagonal symmetry with a unit cell containing 19 atoms, comprising Fe, Ti, and O species. Because all oxygen atoms in the unit cell are equivalent, a single oxygen atom at random was removed to represent the defect created by irradiation. Exchange-correla- tion effects were treated using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional within the generalized gradient approximation. A plane-wave basis set with a kinetic energy cutoff of 60 Ry was used for the electronic wave functions, while the charge density cutoff was set to 720 Ry. Gaussian smearing with a broadening of 0.1 Ry was applied to the electronic occupations to aid convergence. Spin-polarized calculations were enabled, with initial magnetizations of 0.2 Bohr magnetons assigned to Fe and Ti atoms, while oxygen atoms were initialized with zero magnetization. Our results in Figure A3 indicate that the total energy stabilizes at ecutwfc = 60 Ry, demonstrating that this value is sufficient for reliable convergence in our simulation.

    Creation of Lunar-like Rims in Ilmenite Using Synthetic Solar Wind · 2026 · DOI

  • (cid:127) HEND: n=7 dates, p=0.245, non-conclusive statistics (cid:127) CMAPSS: result dependent on window/threshold parameters — sensitivity analysis pending (cid:127) CMAPSS: single-regime only (FD001) — multi-regime results (FD004) are weaker (cid:127) LEND: single day, approximate latitude, no calibration corrections applied (cid:127) No industrial or regolith validation performed — transfer hypotheses…

    Spectral Anomaly Detection in Noisy Sensor Time-Series: A Methodological Approach for Planetary and Industrial Sensor Monitoring · 2026 · DOI

  • In this study, we developed FAMdust, a fast adaptive machine-learning framework for retrieving Martian atmospheric DOD, and applied it to thermal infrared spectra from the EMIRS instrument onboard the Hope spacecraft. The framework successfully reproduces global DOD patterns during MY36–MY37, capturing both background dust conditions and intense dust events associated with major topographic features, while maintaining consistency across key landing sites such as Zhurong and Curiosity. The temporal continuity of the EMIRS-derived DOD, particularly across the MY36–MY37 transition, demonstrates the capability of FAMdust to monitor seasonal and interannual variability in Martian dust loading, thereby complementing existing products such as Montabone et al. (2020). Beyond the generation of a new global DOD dataset, this work establishes a flexible retrieval framework that is directly relevant to future Chinese Mars missions, including Tianwen-3. The retrieved DOD products can be readily incorporated into Martian general circulation models (e.g., Go- 6 FAST ML FRAMEWORK FOR MARTIAN DUST a P Fig. 3. Global maps of equivalent visible DOD at 610 Pa on Sol 586.5 (MY36) from (a) the Montabone and (b) the FAMdust retrieval. Prominent surface features and mission landing sites are indicated. (c) Time series of visible DOD at the Zhurong landing site from Montabone, FAMdust, and EMIRS. (d) Time series of visible DOD from MSL Mastcam (τ at 880 nm), Montabone, FAMdust and EMIRS across MY36–MY37. DOD values are corrected from 610 Pa to local surface pressure using topographic data. (e) Zonal mean of FAMdust-derived DOD at 610 Pa for MY37 as a function of solar longitude (Ls) and latitude. Mars) for dust forecasting, improving simulations of atmospheric dynamics and radiative forcing and ultimately supporting mission planning and operational safety. Currently, FAMdust exhibits limitations—for example, slight overestimation of DOD during MY37—highlighting the need to couple retrievals with radiative transfer models for more physically consistent, robust DOD estimates. Looking forward to improving the current algorithm, we intend to establish a full-physics retrieval algorithm and combine the two methods together. Moreover, extending retrievals to joint multi-spectral observations and assimilating DOD products into atmospheric models could enhance sensitivity to vertical dust distribution, improve forecast accuracy, and enable high-cadence global monitoring of Martian dust activity, ultimately advancing both scientific understanding and operational mission planning.

    FAMdust: Fast Adaptive Machine-Learning Framework for Global Martian Dust Optical Depth Retrieval—Applied to HOPE/EMIRS Thermal Infrared Observations · 2026 · DOI

  • - HEND: n=7 dates, small sample, non-conclusive statistics - F10.7 values are approximate monthly means, not daily observations - HEND: no calibration, background subtraction, or gain correction applied - DND NS rate offsets (b164-b204) identified by exploratory analysis, not yet confirmed against full DERIV_NEUTRON_DATA_COLS.FMT - Instrument aging (~24 years): gain drift not formally excluded - Large CH15 drop (2015 to 2025) may include instrumental + physical…

    Mars Odissey GRS - HEND x NS: Multi-instrument Neutron Survey (2007-2025) · 2026 · DOI

  • RNA synthesis complexity and the lack of evidence that RNA was ever produced by RNA itself in natural systems remains a major unresolved challenge to the widely accepted RNA world model.

    The Geology of Hypervelocity Collisions · 2026 · DOI

  • The origin-of-life debate has centered on whether genes or metabolism arose first, with competing hypotheses including the RNA world model, but no definitive evidence currently resolves this central question.

    The Geology of Hypervelocity Collisions · 2026 · DOI

  • Life must have originated in an environment isolated from UV radiation and the global oceans to facilitate the concentration of prebiotic soup, but the specific mechanisms and conditions remain poorly constrained.

    The Geology of Hypervelocity Collisions · 2026 · DOI

  • We present and discuss each of these contradictory data and interpretations and summarize the requirements for magma ascent and eruption models that might account for young RMDS ages.

    The Lunar Mare Ring‐Moat Dome Structure (RMDS) Age Conundrum: Contemporaneous With Imbrian‐Aged Host Lava Flows or Emplaced in the Copernican? · 2021 · DOI

  • After describing the initial predictions and measurements of PSR volatiles, this paper documents a variety of PSR measurements, summarizes the current understanding of PSR volatiles, and then suggests what new measurements and studies are needed to answer many of the remaining open questions about PSR volatiles.

    A tale of two poles: Toward understanding the presence, distribution, and origin of volatiles at the polar regions of the Moon and Mercury · 2016 · DOI

  • Abstract The MELTS algorithm, the most commonly used tool for calculating crystallization of basaltic magmas, uses thermodynamic parameters calibrated by experiments on select compositions, and thus, its use on newly discovered extraterrestrial compositions requires extrapolation across ranges where its applicability has not been evaluated in detail.

    Application of the MELTS algorithm to Martian compositions and implications for magma crystallization · 2013 · DOI

  • Our simulations include detailed treatments of lava and regolith thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity), which vary widely over the temperature range relevant to lava flows in the lunar environment (~200 to >1500 K).

    Numerical modeling of lava‐regolith heat transfer on the Moon and implications for the preservation of implanted volatiles · 2012 · DOI

  • However, the mantle temperature of a crustally fractionated PKT is insufficient to match the observed electrical conductivity: globally enhanced mantle heating or a thick megaregolith may be required.

    Geophysical constraints on the lunar Procellarum KREEP Terrane · 2012 · DOI

  • Consciousness of a social unity beyond the clan is insufficiently developed to weld these separate clan legends into a single story of creation, or to conceive" the world" as the creative act of a single tribal deity, though Gidja-owing to his important position as the creator of woman, and the founder of sex and marriage -and therefore of the social order-comes nearer to fulfilling this role than any other totem of the Koko-yalunyu.

    A MOON LEGEND FROM THE BLOOMFIELD RIVER, NORTH QUEENSLAND · 1931 · DOI

  • Although some local currents of Mercury’s magnetosphere have already been revealed by previous observational studies, the global picture of current systems in Mercury’s magnetosphere remains unknown.

    Global current systems in the magnetosphere of Mercury · 2026 · DOI

  • Heat flow constrains the thermal evolution, internal structure, and geodynamic history of planetary bodies, yet direct extraterrestrial measurements remain scarce.

    Measurements of Near-Surface Thermal Environments on the Moon and Mars: Novel Approaches and Implications for Planetary Heat Flow · 2026

  • A significant limitation is that values derived from laboratory measurements and those computed from kinetic theory for the same species pair can differ substantially (see below for a numerical example).

    A Benchmark Model for the Sunlit Martian Ionosphere: Structure, Composition, and Energetics · 2026 · DOI

  • The origin of the hydrosphere and further evolution of life on rocky planetary bodies requires suitable physicochemical conditions with liquid water, but the specific role of hypervelocity impacts in hydrosphere formation remains incompletely characterized.

    The Geology of Hypervelocity Collisions · 2026 · DOI

  • Understanding the environment in which the continental-type crustal rocks of Earth formed provides an important perspective and timeframe for the conditions on early Earth that enabled the synthesis of life.

    The Geology of Hypervelocity Collisions · 2026 · DOI

  • The earliest history of Earth during the Hadean period is poorly recorded in the geologic record but is reconstructed from the impact history of the Moon and the inner planets.

    The Geology of Hypervelocity Collisions · 2026 · DOI

  • Abstract The long‐ and short‐term drivers and transport mechanisms of lunar rockfalls are currently not well understood, but could provide valuable information about the geologic processes that still shape the surface of the Moon today.

    Global Drivers and Transport Mechanisms of Lunar Rockfalls · 2021 · DOI

  • This result is not predicted by analytical theories of formation of Grady‐Kipp fragments or spalls during impacts and suggests that further modeling investigations are warranted to explain this scale‐dependent effect.

    Lunar Secondary Craters and Estimated Ejecta Block Sizes Reveal a Scale‐Dependent Fragmentation Trend · 2020 · DOI

  • The large library of glass spectra generated here, acquired from consistently synthesized and measured samples, can serve as a resource for further studies of volcanic and impact processes on planetary bodies.

    Spectral properties of Martian and other planetary glasses and their detection in remotely sensed data · 2017 · DOI

  • Such a result is inconsistent with K‐bearing mineral formation in Gale Lake and instead suggests postdepositional fluid flow at a time after surface fluvial activity on Mars is thought to have largely ceased.

    A Two‐Step K‐Ar Experiment on Mars: Dating the Diagenetic Formation of Jarosite from Amazonian Groundwaters · 2017 · DOI

  • The origin of the fields that magnetized the crust are not understood and could be the result of either a long‐lived core‐generated dynamo or transient fields associated with large impact events.

    Testing the axial dipole hypothesis for the Moon by modeling the direction of crustal magnetization · 2017 · DOI

  • Large uncertainties still exist in parameterizing the microphysical formation process of these clouds as key physicochemical parameters are not well known.

    Laboratory measurements of heterogeneous CO<sub>2</sub> ice nucleation on nanoparticles under conditions relevant to the Martian mesosphere · 2016 · DOI

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33 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 804 Planetary Science and Exploration papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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