First issued in 1953, the journal publishes research articles describing the latest results of new studies, invited reviews of major topics in planetary science, editorials on issues of current interest in the field, and book reviews. The publications are original, not considered for publication elsewhere, and undergo peer-review. The topics include the origin and history of the solar system, planets and natural satellites, interplanetary dust and interstellar medium, lunar samples, meteors, and meteorites, asteroids, comets, craters, and tektites. Our authors and editors are professional scientists representing numerous disciplines, including astronomy, astrophysics, physics, geophysics, chemistry, isotope geochemistry, mineralogy, earth science, geology, and biology. MAPS has subscribers in over 40 countries. Fifty percent of MAPS' readers are based outside the USA. The journal is available in hard copy and online.