He also conducts numerical simulations of the accretion of planetesimals into planets, using a unique multi-zone computer code, which has recently been converted to run on parallel processors. Weidenschilling and Davis are using this code to investigate the formation and thermal histories of asteroids, the evolution of comets in the Kuiper belt, the formation of Jupiter, and other problems of cosmogony. He has served on the editorial board of Icarus, the international journal of planetary science, and on several NASA review panels. Weidenschilling is named for him. The San Juan Capistrano division of PSI is dedicated to research and education in Earth and planetary sciences, with emphasis on geology, geophysics, atmospheric, and space physics investigations.
PSI employs top-notch scientists and support staff to carry out interdisciplinary research.
Research results are published in open, peer- reviewed scientific journals and other media. PSI-SJC frequently invites students and the general public to its laboratory facilities for lectures and programs on current topics and events in planetary science. PSI-SJC Divison scientists have made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of the Earth's atmosphere, the Earth's moon, the planet Mars, asteroids, the satellites of Jupiter, and various other bodies in the solar system. Numerous important scientific meetings and conferences have been held at SJI, including international conferences on the geology and chemistry of Jupiter's moons, and strategies for exploring the solar system with small, inexpensive spacecraft. Over 15,000 grammar school students have visited SJC for two-hour interactive programs that convey the exciting nature of the solar system and planetary science.