Center for Astrophysics Research and Technologies Seminar Series
Illuminating the radius valley with TESS and CHEOPS
Presented by Dominic Oddo (UNM)
The radius valley, which is a deficiency in the frequency of planets found from 1.5 to 2.0 Earth radii, is a well-characterized feature in the radius distribution of known exoplanets. However, the physical cause of this valley is hotly debated between two major theories, known as photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss. In this talk, I will discuss the radius valley and the theories which may explain it by presenting the analysis of a series of small planets bordering the valley. In doing so, I will compare observations of these systems between NASA's TESS and ESA's CHEOPS missions. I also explore possible reasons as to why observations from these telescopes may give different results for physical parameters, and whether different fitting algorithms may - at least sometimes - be causing these differences.
2:00 pm, Thursday, March 31, 2022
PAIS-3205, PAIS
Individuals with disabilities who need an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in P&A events should contact the Physics Department (phone: 505-277-2616, email: physics@unm.edu) well in advance to ensure your needs are accomodated. Event handouts can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please contact the Physics front office if you need written information in an alternative format.
A schedule of talks within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available on the P&A web site at http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/events/index.php