Exoplanet Discovery and Science

Members of the Exoplanet Discovery Group (3262) work on a range of research topics, which include:

• Technology development for exoplanet discovery and characterization
• Studies of the physical and chemical processes in the spinning clouds of gas and dust where these stars are born, and
• Characterization of exoplanet atmospheres.

Key science questions our group is focused to addressing include:

• What kinds of exoplanets exist?
• What are the important factors that determine the state of exoplanet atmospheres?
• What can disks around young stars reveal about the formation of exoplanets?

Exoplanet Discovery and Science: Missions and Projects

• HST
• SOFIA
• Spitzer
• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

The scientific expertise and research activity of the group members include:

• Astrophysical observations of stars, circumstellar and interstellar matter in the optical, near-infrared, microwave, and radio wavelength ranges, using space- and ground-based telescopes
• Theoretical studies of astrophysical processes, e.g. the evolution of planet-forming disks, and the interaction of stellar jets with circumstellar matter
• Development of new technology for high-contrast imaging using Coronagraphy and nulling interferometry to enable the direct detection of extra-solar planets.