The science that studies impactites, including tektites, is known as impact geology. This specialized field falls under the broader category of planetary geology and geochemistry. Impact geology focuses on the study of geological formations and materials that result from the collision of extraterrestrial bodies, such as asteroids or comets, with planetary surfaces. Researchers in this field analyze the formation, composition, and distribution of impactites to understand the processes and effects of these high-energy events. Key academic sources include university earth and planetary science departments, laboratory reports from institutions like NASA, and publications in industry journals such as the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets and Meteoritics & Planetary Science.
