Planetary Engineering

The large-scale application of technology and principles to modify or manage the global environment of a planet—terraforming being the most extreme example. It involves modeling complex climatology, atmospheric chemistry, and geology to enact change. Projects might include building orbital mirrors to melt ice caps, introducing engineered microbes to alter atmospheric composition, or redirecting comets to deliver water. It's civil engineering, but where your job site is an entire world and your timeline is millennia.

*Example: "The Venusian working group in planetary engineering isn't building cities yet. They're modeling the long-term effects of dumping gigatons of calcium and magnesium from asteroid mining onto the surface to sequester the runaway CO2 atmosphere. The first phase is called 'The Great Liming.' It'll take 500 years to see if it worked."* Planetary Engineering

by Abzugal January 30, 2026

Planetary Technologies

Technologies specifically designed for the surface or immediate environment of a planet (or large moon). This is "planetary gear" tailored to local conditions: pressurized rovers for Mars, insulated diggers for the frozen crust of Europa, balloon-based drones for Venus's upper atmosphere, or automated mining bots for the Moon. The focus is on operating within a specific gravity well, weathering local dust storms or ice, and utilizing in-situ resources. It's the frontier outpost hardware.

Example: "The Martian farm uses bespoke planetary technology: automated greenhouses with LED suns tuned to the red planet's dust-filtered light spectrum, drills that pull water from permafrost, and soil processors that remove toxic perchlorates. The first batch of 'Mars-tatoes' tasted like victory and regret." Planetary Technologies

by Abzugal January 30, 2026

Planetary Survey

The comprehensive, systematic process of mapping, scanning, and analyzing an entire celestial body (planet, moon, asteroid) to understand its geology, resources, atmosphere, and potential for life or habitation. It's the ultimate recon mission, combining orbital spectroscopy, surface rovers, seismic monitors, and atmospheric probes to build a complete scientific and strategic portrait. The goal isn't just a pretty picture; it's a data-rich inventory of every mountain, mineral deposit, water ice patch, and radiation flux.

Example: The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter meticulously imaging the Red Planet's surface to chart ancient river deltas and ice deposits, while rovers like Curiosity drill into rocks for chemical analysis, together constitute a Planetary Survey. Before a crewed mission to the Moon's South Pole, a fleet of autonomous landers would conduct a detailed survey to pinpoint the exact location of water ice in permanently shadowed craters.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 3, 2026

Planetism

Contraction of Plane Spotting and Autism. A humorous, respectful self diagnosis of avid aircraft photographers who upload to social media and organize nerdy meetups at airports.

I'm flying to Los Angeles for a planetism meetup with friends.

by A320Scott March 20, 2026

Planet Destroyer

An overweight or fat vegan.

I was attending a friend’s wedding, and his planet destroyer bride made the menu all vegan. She’s 5’3” and 250 lbs…ain’t no way she’s vegan!

by The Freshman King February 24, 2025

Planerd

(PLAYNerd) Someone who gets excited by all things involving Airplanes or Aviation, without actually being a pilot.

Oh man, check out this sweet new flight tracker app I just downloaded.
Dude, you're such a Planerd

by CMnelson March 1, 2025

Planes

A plane is a device used for airborne travel. In September 11, 2001, a horrible event happened which is now considered humorous because stupid iPad kids.

They will not forget me like I was hit by planes.

by TYNIKSO March 19, 2025