My students and I are planetary scientists who study the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets of the Solar System as well as other planetary systems with computational tools from the fields of celestial mechanics, geophysics, and geochemistry. Our science is driven by big questions: where did our world come from? What other kinds of worlds are out there? And, how unique is our planet's history?
Teaching
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Michigan State University with an courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
In Fall 2024, I will be teaching GLG 201 Introduction to Earth and Planetary Science, a physical geology course.
Courses that I’ve offered in the past include Planetary Sciences, Cosmochemistry, Exploration of the Solar System, Solar System Dynamics, and Planet Formation and Evolution.
Giant impact on an early Earth (2019). Painting by Dr. William Hartmann, co-author of the original giant impact hypothesis for the formation of the Moon, and hanging in PI Seth Jacobson’s office, Rm 142.
research
We simulate the construction of the Solar System from a protoplanetary disk considering dynamical and compositional constraints.
We build physicochemical models of planet formation to compare to geochemical and geophysical data.
We study the long-term dynamical and compositional evolution of planets, moons, and asteroids to understand how time has changed them.
Planetary Makerspace PI
Asst. Prof. Seth A. Jacobson
Opportunities
There are opportunities to join the Planetary Makerspace at Michigan State University at all levels: undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. Please click here for details. Our group policies are described here.
I also maintain a list of planetary science specific internships and fellowships. Please contact me if you would like an opportunity added to the list. I try to keep an up-to-date and accurate list of opportunities, but please follow links and contact the program organizers, if you have questions.
contact
Email: seth@msu.edu
Phone: +1 (517) 355-1941
Office address:
Giltner Hall, Rm. 302
Mailing address:
288 Farm Ln
Natural Science Bldg, Rm 207
East Lansing, MI 48824