Imke de Pater

Our Solar System is comprised of bodies varying in size from the giant planet Jupiter, 12 times larger than Earth, down to bodies less than a few kilometers in size, and further down to microscopically small dust grains. The planets and their satellites are now known to us as individual worlds, some of which show similarities to Earth (e.g., Titan, Mars), whereas others exhibit such extreme volcanism that even the largest volcanoes on Earth are dwarfed in comparison (Io, Enceladus). The giant planets are surrounded by rings, systems that are unique to each planet. In these systems we observe details that help us understand the physical processes in the early solar nebula that led to planet formation 4.5 billion years ago, and which are still operational in disks around other stars. Once in a while comets approach the Sun and exhibit fantastic displays. Remote observations and in situ analysis of cometary gases and dust grains help us understand the early epoch of planet formation in our Solar System.