The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) operates as the scientific research arm of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Established in 1972, it examines physical and geological processes shaping rocky and icy bodies across the solar system—including Earth, the Moon, Mars, Venus, and the icy moons of the outer planets. Verified responsibilities include managing the NASA-designated Regional Planetary Image Facility, maintaining extensive archives of images and maps from planetary missions and lunar photography, and contributing to multiple NASA and European Space Agency robotic missions.

CEPS scientists publish and teach in areas such as planetary volcanism, tectonics, cryovolcanic processes, and radar remote sensing. Research also includes comparing terrestrial analogs—Earth’s own features—to those on other worlds in order to infer the history and mechanics of extraterrestrial landforms, surface evolution, and geological landscape processes. CEPS supports Earth Observatory–type studies when they use comparative methods or involve processes common across planets.

On the training front, CEPS hosts a Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship. Fellows work on mission-aligned topics and derive benefit from CEPS’s collections and institutional partnerships. The Center also runs internship projects for undergraduates and graduate students; recent projects include topics like Titan’s tectonic history, distribution of geological features on Europa, and glaciated craters on Mars, with full-time summer involvement.

CEPS contributes beyond research—they help curate the “Exploring the Planets” gallery in the museum, supporting exhibition work via scientific content, maps, imagery, and public outreach. Their work bridges academic planetary science, mission support, archival preservation, and public education. Their expertise makes them a recurring partner in mission planning and data interpretation.