Astrophysics: Exoplanet Exploration

Course 14: Astrophysics: Exoplanet Exploration

I. Course Description

Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit around stars outside the sun. Exoplanet astronomy is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing fields of science today, and was recently recognized by the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics. We now know that most solar-like stars have their own planetary systems. By detecting and studying exoplanets, astronomers hope to learn more about where planets come from and eventually make progress on the old question of whether there is life elsewhere in the universe.

Students in this course will be exposed to the cutting-edge knowledge of exoplanetary science research. They will understand the observational properties of stars and planets, and the way astronomers use to detect exoplanets. Students will also learn the fundamental physics governing the planetary orbit, temperature, and atmosphere, as well as the fundamental properties of their parent stars. They will be familiar with NASAs transit Exoplanet Survey satellite TESS, a space telescope currently looking for exoplanets around Earths closest and brightest star.

II. Professor Introduction

Joshua Winn – Tenured professor at Princeton University

Professor Joshua Winn, as a physicist and astronomer at Princeton, is a outstanding representative in the field of planetary systems. His academic career began in 2001 with his PhD in physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a his exploration of the universe. In the team he led, optical telescopes became a powerful tool for understanding external departmental systems. In particular, they focus on mutual eclipses between stars and planets, thus revealing hidden mysteries in the universe. The professors latest research focuses on the orbital structure of planetary systems, exploring the orbital size, shape and direction, as well as the stellar inclination.

As one of the scientists on NASAs Kepler mission and a co-researcher at the ongoing Transiting Exoplanet Survey satellite mission, Professor Winn is deeply involved in cutting-edge scientific research on stellar astronomy, tidal evolution, planetary dynamics, radio interferometry, gravitational lensing and photonic bandgap materials. The professor is internationally known for his academic achievements, and has published more than 374 papers in top academic journals, with a total of 64,000 citations, and holds one patent. In addition, the professor also recorded 24 exoplanet lectures, which became an indispensable learning material for astrophysics courses in universities.

III. Syllabus

1. An overview of the solar system; our position in the universe
2. Keplers law of planetary motion
3. Planetary radiation and radiation balance
4. Astronomy measurement 1: astrometry, photometry measurement
5. Astrometry 2: Optical spectroscopy
6. Stars: Basic properties and classification
7. Direct imaging methods, astrometry methods, and Doppler methods
8. Transit method
9. Discovery of exoplanets
10. Questions and future prospects