Jackson selected as editor for the Planetary Science Journal

Brian Jackson, professor of physics at Boise State University and Director of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve STEM Network, will serve as the next Editor of the Planetary Science Journal - a prestigious peer reviewed journal co-owned by the American Astronomical Society and its largest topical division, the Division for Planetary Sciences. Jackson will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2026.

The journal's inaugural editor, Faith Vilas, oversaw the Planetary Science Journal's launch in 2019 and shepherded the journal through a period of tremendous growth. Under Vilas's leadership, the journal rapidly rose to become a leading outlet for manuscripts reporting significant new ground-based and space-based observational results, theoretical insights, computational modeling, laboratory experiments, innovations in instrumentation, and field work in the planetary sciences. The Planetary Science Journal is gold open access, which means that articles are free for all to read immediately upon publication.

Jackson has served as one of the Science Editors for the Planetary Science Journal since 2020, fielding manuscripts related to his broad research interests, which include phenomena that arise at the interface between surface and atmosphere on Mars, exoplanet atmospheres, planetary orbital evolution, and more. "It has been a privilege to work with Brian in his role as a Science Editor for the Planetary Science Journal," says American Astronomical Society Journals Editor in Chief Ethan Vishniac. "His dedication and energy now make him an ideal replacement for Faith."

"Brian's background is ideally suited to being the Planetary Science Journal's editor-in-chief. His research background is extremely diverse and touches on the many topics of manuscripts likely to be submitted to the journal," says Division for Planetary Sciences Chair Scott Murchie. "Additionally, over his whole career, he has exemplified service and mentorship. He has worked with many students and served the science community and the community around Boise in countless ways from advocating for dark skies, to educational forums, to Earth and planetary science research projects. Brian leads through service."

"I'm very flattered and humbled to succeed Faith as editor-in-charge of the Planetary Science Journal," says Jackson. "With help from our editorial staff and cadre of associate editors, I will work hard to maintain the high standards of science and author support that the Planetary Science Journal has delivered during the last five years."

Jackson has degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona. In addition to roles at Boise State University and the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve STEM Network, he currently serves as the Education and Public Outreach Officer for the DPS. He has worked at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Maryland, and the Carnegie Institution for Science.

This article was originally published on the American Astronomical Society website.

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