09/18/14 SO/NOAO Joint Colloquium Series: Andrew Skemer
Andrew Skemer, Steward Observatory
Imaging Exoplanets with the LBT
Abstract:
By directly imaging extrasolar planets, we can study the compositions, atmospheric properties and interiors of gas-giant planets, and eventually, the surfaces of rocky planets. The current generation of directly imaged planets are abnormally warm, and future exoplanet studies will target cooler, "normal" planets, which emit the majority of their light in the mid-infrared (>3 microns). At these wavelengths, the Large Binocular Telescope is unique in its capabilities as a high-contrast exoplanet imager. I will describe a multi-faceted program at the LBT to study planets in the mid-infrared where we are (1) executing a large survey to search for new exoplanets, using instrumentation that is sensitive to lower-mass and smaller separation exoplanets than were visible to previous surveys, (2) studying the properties of the small number of massive, widely-separated exoplanets that are currently accessible to direct imaging, and (3) developing new optics and instrumentation to improve our ability to discover and characterize exoplanets.
For Public
Public events include our Monday Night Lecture Series, world-reknowned Astronomy Camp and Mt Lemmon Sky Center.
For Students
A good place to start if you want to become an undergrad major or grad student, or need to find our schedule of classes.
For Scientists
Find telescopes and instruments, telescope time applications, staff and mountain contacts, and faculty and staff scientific interests.
