7. Direct Imaging of Exoplanets

Frontiers/Controversies in Astrophysics (ASTR 160)

Class begins with a problem on transits and learning what information astronomers obtain through observing them. For example, radii of stars can be estimated. Furthermore, applying the Doppler shift method, one can find the mass of a star. Finally, a star's density can be calculated. A second method for identifying planets around stars is introduced: the astrometry method. The method allows for an extremely accurate assessment of a star's precise position in the sky. Special features of the astrometry method are discussed and a number of problems are solved. A short summary is given on the three methods astronomers use to identify exoplanets. Class ends with an overview of upcoming space missions and the hope of detecting the presence of biological activity on other planet.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Calculating Planetary Density from Transits and Doppler Shifts
09:14 - Chapter 2. Astrometry to Assess Planetary Position
23:55 - Chapter 3. Summary of Planetary Identification Methods
34:12 - Chapter 4. Kepler, SIM, and TPF

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Spring 2007.