Extrasolar planets searches: today and tomorrow

by Didier QUELOZ (Geneva Observatory)

Thursday 18 May 2000, 16:30 → 16:45 Europe/Zurich

500/1-001 - Main Auditorium (CERN)

So far the searches for extrasolar planets have found 40 planetary companions orbiting around nearby stars. In December 1999 a transit has been observed for one of them, providing the first independent confirmation of the reality of close-in planets as well as a measurement of its density. The techniques used to detect planets are limited and the detection threshold is biased but a first picture of the planet diversity and distribution emerges. Results of the search for extra-solar planets and their impacts on planetary formation will be reviewed. Future instruments are foreseen to detect Earth-like planets and possible signatures of organic activity. An overview of these future projects will be presented and more particularly the Darwin-IRSI mission studied by ESA for Horizon 2015.

Organiser(s): Luigi Di Lella / EP Division

Note: Tea & coffee will be served at 16.00 hrs.

Video in CDS Video in CDS