Astrogeology is a new, space-related branch of the science of geology. It is concerned chiefly with the geology of the moon and the planets and the application of geological principles to extraterrestrial bodies. The long-range goal of astrogeology is to interpret the geologic history of the moon and the planets. This goal can be accomplished only if geologists recognize the need for astrogeology and undertake the tasks of establishing an appropriate curriculum.Astrogeology depends strongly on geology and the traditional methods used in solving geological problems. Basically, an astrogeology curriculum should emphasize the interdisciplinary character of geological education. It should involve such heretofore peripheral areas as meteorology, astronomy, nuclear physics and electronics. Mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and geophysics would be emphasized at the expense of stratigraphy, paleontology and sedimentation. An astrogeology curriculum would maintain the fundamental identity of geology as a force in lunar and planetary exploration. It would put the cosmological problems of lunar and planetary exploration in their proper perspective as “geological” problems and not purely problems of physics and chemistry. It would point up the existence of an interdisciplinary scientist in an area which demands interdisciplinary thinking but which is presently dominated by specialists.A proposed astrogeology curriculum based on space-age requirements is recommended for consideration.
