planetary science

Planetary science is the branch of astronomy dealing with the characteristics (structure, atmosphere, history) of planets. The term is used largely for solar system objects, including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, etc. It can be thought of as Earth science generalized so as to apply to other planets and similar bodies.

Extra-solar planet studies fall under the term: while exoplanets have certainly affected the view of planet formation and planetary migration within the solar system, much of the connection is the application of what has been learned about planets within the solar system to analyze the limited information available from exoplanet observations.