The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), established in 1968, is devoted to the study of the formation of the solar system, its evolution into the dynamic planetary system we have today, and the potential for life elsewhere.

To commemorate the LPI’s 50th anniversary, a one-day science symposium was held on March 17, 2018, in the Lecture Hall of the Universities Space Research Association building in Houston, Texas. The symposium program was organized starting with the inner planets extending to the outer solar system and beyond. The talks were presented by leaders in the planetary science community, many of whom were former LPI scientists and interns.

In this issue we highlight Dr. Tracy Gregg (SUNY Buffalo), a former LPI intern, who presented Exploring Eruptions in the Solar System: 50 Years and 256 Shades of Gray.