Diversity and Demographics of Distant Rocky Worlds, L.Rogers

Event Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017

Department of Physics and Astronomy

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

Dr. Leslie Rogers

Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
University of Chicago

“The Diversity and Demographics of Distant Rocky Worlds”

ABSTRACT

The discovery of exoplanets (planets outside our Solar System) has brought the settings of many science fiction stories within reach of scientific inquiry. Astronomers’ ever increasing sensitivity to smaller and smaller planets has opened the opportunity for empirical insights into the nature and demographics of distant terrestrial worlds. Up to what size and mass do planets typically have rocky compositions? How Earth-like are these distant rocky worlds? How common are rocky planets in the Habitable Zones of their host stars? In this talk, I will present the current constraints on each of these questions, appealing both to individual planet case studies and to planet population statistics.

STUDENTS – after the talk, you’re encouraged to return to the 2nd floor Atrium lounge to meet with the speaker.

COFFEE – coffee and cookies will be available in the 2nd floor Atrium lounge at 1:15 p.m.

CELL PHONES – as a courtesy to the speaker and audience, please set your cellphones to “silent” mode. Thanks!

Diversity and Demographics of Distant Rocky Worlds, L.Rogers