The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum houses a Planetary Image Facility that contains hardcopy images ranging from the Ranger missions in the early 60s through Mars Curiosity mission. The purpose of the image facility is to act as a reference library providing planetary science researchers with access to the extensive collection of image data obtained from planetary missions.

An image of the Earth and the Moon next to each other, the Moon just slightly to the northwest of the Earth. Only the right half of each body can be seen.

Image Facility Services

  • Planetary image support data (type of sensor or film, location, scale, sun angle, etc.).
  • Zoom transferscope, stereoscopes, and other interpretive equipment.
  • Online searches for planetary and terrestrial image data.
  • CD-ROM search and retrieval systems for planetary images and space shuttle photographs.
  • Browse file for press release and popular planetary images.
  • Scanner for creating digital copies of images.

See our Image Holdings

Three arrows point to a ridge in the surface of Mercury.

Mercury

A graphic of Venus comparing what the planet looks like at different wavelengths.

Venus

A view of Earth and its Moon from the orbit of Saturn.

Earth

Large cliff on the Moon that makes up part of the outer section of a crater.

The Moon

A mound on the surface of Mars as seen from above.

Mars

A mosaic view of a oblong-shaped asteroid.

Asteroids

A partial view of Io, Jupiter's closest large moon, and its topography and view of some volcanoes.

Jupiter

A large asymmetrical dark spot surrounded by lighter material.

Saturn

Two images of Saturn next to each other. The image on the left taken 13 days before the one on the right. A spot of light is seen on the bottom of Uranus in the left image and moves toward the top of Uranus in the right image.

Uranus

Four images of Neptune each with slightly different cloud patterns.

Neptune

An image looking down at a frozen surface that has curved lines running through it.

Dwarf Planets

Halley's Comet

Comets

More resources for Earth and planetary research

Please Note: The facility does not sell imagery and cannot provide reproduction services. A guide to Resources for Earth and Planetary Research is available to also help individuals find available imagery online.

If you intend to visit the facility, please contact us in advance for an appointment.

Location:
Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, Virginia 20151		 Facility Director: Dr. Tom Watters
Email: watterst@si.edu
Telephone: (202) 633-2480
Fax: (202) 786-2566
Hours: Monday through Friday 10 am - 4 pm		 Mailing Address:
Smithsonian Planetary Image Facility
Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 37012
National Air and Space Museum
(MRC 315)
Washington, D.C 20013-7012