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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.

In Fall 2023, I will be teaching GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth, a physical geology course. If you are a student in GLG 201, you can schedule an office hours appointment via this Calendly link.

Courses that I’ve offered in the past include Cosmochemistry, Exploration of the Solar System, Solar System Dynamics, and Planet Formation and Evolution.

Giant impact on an early Earth. Painting by Dr. William Hartmann.

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.

 
Prof. Seth A. Jacobson Planetary Makerspace PI

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:
Natural Science Bldg, Rm 142

Mailing address:
288 Farm Ln
Natural Science Bldg, Rm 207
East Lansing, MI 48824