Editing Natural science (section)

===Earth science===
{{Main|Earth science|Outline of Earth sciences#Branches of Earth science}}
Earth science (also known as geoscience) is an all-embracing term for the sciences related to the planet [[Earth (planet)|Earth]], including [[geology]], [[geography]], [[geophysics]], [[geochemistry]], [[climatology]], [[glaciology]], [[hydrology]], [[meteorology]], and [[oceanography]].

Although [[mining]] and [[gemology|precious stones]] have been human interests throughout the history of civilization, the development of the related sciences of [[economic geology]] and [[mineralogy]] did not occur until the 18th century. The study of the earth, particularly [[paleontology]], blossomed in the 19th century. The growth of other disciplines, such as [[geophysics]], in the 20th century led to the development of the theory of [[plate tectonics]] in the 1960s, which has had a similar effect on the Earth sciences as the theory of evolution had on biology. Earth sciences today are closely linked to [[petroleum]] and [[mineral resource]]s, [[climate]] research, and to [[environmental assessment]] and [[environmental remediation|remediation]].

====Atmospheric sciences====
{{Main|Atmospheric sciences}}
Although sometimes considered in conjunction with the earth sciences, due to the independent development of its concepts, techniques, and practices and also the fact of it having a wide range of sub-disciplines under its wing, [[atmospheric science]] is also considered a separate branch of natural science. This field studies the characteristics of different layers of the atmosphere from ground level to the edge of the space. The timescale of the study also varies from day to century. Sometimes, the field also includes the study of climatic patterns on planets other than Earth.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/research/research-topics-list/planetary-sciences/planetary-exoplanetary-atmospheres |title=Planetary & Exoplanetary Atmospheres |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=Jet Propulsion Laboratory |publisher=National Aeronautic Space Administration |access-date=9 November 2023 |quote= |archive-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109012435/https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/research/research-topics-list/planetary-sciences/planetary-exoplanetary-atmospheres |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Oceanography====
{{Main|Oceanography}}
The serious study of oceans began in the early- to mid-20th century. As a field of natural science, it is relatively young, but stand-alone programs offer specializations in the subject. Though some controversies remain as to the categorization of the field under earth sciences, interdisciplinary sciences, or as a separate field in its own right, most modern workers in the field agree that it has matured to a state that it has its own paradigms and practices.

====Planetary science====
{{Main|Planetary science}}
{{Expand section|date=July 2021}}

[[Planetary science]] or planetology, is the scientific study of planets, which include [[terrestrial planets]] like the Earth, and other types of planets, such as [[gas giants]] and [[ice giant]]s. Planetary science also concerns other celestial bodies, such as [[dwarf planet]]s [[moons]], [[asteroids]], and [[comets]]. This largely includes the [[Solar System]], but recently has started to expand to [[exoplanets]], particularly terrestrial [[exoplanets]]. It explores various objects, spanning from micrometeoroids to gas giants, to establish their composition, movements, genesis, interrelation, and past. Planetary science is an interdisciplinary domain, having originated from [[astronomy]] and [[Earth science]], and currently encompassing a multitude of areas, such as [[planetary geology]], [[cosmochemistry]], [[atmospheric science]], [[physics]], [[oceanography]], [[hydrology]], [[theoretical planetology]], [[glaciology]], and exoplanetology. Related fields encompass [[space physics]], which delves into the impact of the Sun on the bodies in the Solar System, and [[astrobiology]].

Planetary science comprises interconnected observational and theoretical branches. Observational research entails a combination of [[space exploration]], primarily through robotic spacecraft missions utilizing [[remote sensing]], and comparative experimental work conducted in Earth-based laboratories. The theoretical aspect involves extensive [[mathematical model]]ling and [[computer simulation]].

Typically, planetary scientists are situated within astronomy and physics or Earth sciences departments in universities or research centers. However, there are also dedicated planetary science institutes worldwide. Generally, individuals pursuing a career in planetary science undergo graduate-level studies in one of the Earth sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or physics. They then focus their research within the discipline of planetary science. Major conferences are held annually, and numerous [[academic journal|peer reviewed journals]] cater to the diverse research interests in planetary science. Some planetary scientists are employed by private research centers and frequently engage in collaborative research initiatives.