Planet Formation and Exoplanets

Course manual 2019/2020

Course content

In our search for a second Earth, we have uncovered an incredible diversity in exoplanetary systems, even finding that the most common planets in our galaxy, the mini-Neptunes and super-Earths, have no analogue in our Solar system. The questions that arise are how such a plethora of different worlds were created and what are their properties, as well as what this means for the commonality of Earth-like, potentially life-bearing planets. In this course, we will begin with studying the latest theories and observational evidence that describe the process(es) of planet formation. We will discuss the physical and chemical nature of planet-birth environments i.e. protoplanetary disks, as well as their morphological appearance and what they look like after formation process as debris disks. We will further study the matured exoplanet population itself, looking at architecture of exoplanetary systems, and in particular the composition, structure and dynamics of their atmospheres. This part of the course will dedicate some time to explaining the observational tools and techniques needed to perform these very challenging measurements. The course will end with an assessment of the prospects for future planned instrumentation to study the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets in the habitable zones of their host stars, and discuss the impacts of the stellar environment on the chances for life to arise.

Study materials

Literature

• • Astrophysics of Planet Formation by Phil Armitage (Cambridge University Press) https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0701485
• • Exoplanet Atmospheres: Physical Processes by Sara Seager (Princeton University Press)

Objectives

• The student is able to summarise the fundamental processes that operate in protoplanetary disks and cause accretion, planet formation, planet migration and the final evaporation of disks
• The student is able to compare the different modes of planet formation and explain the implications of their different timescales
• The student is able to examine the link between solar system properties and observations and the results of planet formation elsewhere
• The student is able to perform a small programming project to illustrate process occurring in protoplanetary disks
• The student is able to describe techniques for characterizing exoplanet atmospheres
• The student is able to explain the key features in the structure and emergent spectrum of a planetary atmosphere
• The student is able to design and justify an effective observing plan to characterize an exoplanet atmosphere
• The student is able to evaluate which exoplanet systems are suitable for detecting signatures of life

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Laptop seminar
• Seminar
• Presentation/symposium
• Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
• Self-study

Lectures are a mix of slides and whiteboard work.
Seminars/laptop seminar are split between problem sets where student hand in homework that the TA looks over and gives feedback on during class. Other session is dedicated to continuing with the programming project for the class, where the TA is available to give advice.
Presentation is for observing proposal defense with the whole class.
Self-study is needed for the homework problems sets.
The programming project is independent work.

Learning activities

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

Assessment

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

Bachelor in Physics and Astronomy.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. J.L. Birkby