Stars, Planets, and ISM Seminar
Dec
3
2025
Dec
3
2025
Description
Sven Kiefer, The University of Texas at Austin
Do Aliens Get Hit by Rocks? Probing Mineral Clouds on Exoplanets with JWST
On Earth, rain is mostly liquid, but every now and then hail forms, which can have destructive consequences. The difference is caused by varying atmospheric conditions. Since exoplanets can have vastly different atmospheres than Solar System planets, we need to understand the physics of cloud formation under various conditions to achieve precise characterizations. I will explain how clouds are modeled, how we can probe exoplanet atmospheres, and how we can use JWST to gain insights into the microphysics of cloud formation.
Jaume Orell Miquel, The University of Texas at Austin
The Past, Present, and Future of Exoplanet Escape with HET/HPF
Since 2018, the University of Texas at Austin's exoplanet group has leveraged the HET's large collecting area and HPF's exceptional performance to conduct He triplet observations at 1083 nm. This line is an ideal tracer of exoplanet atmospheric escape, enabling us to study mass loss processes that shape exoplanet radii and masses.
I will present the results from the first years of the He survey and show preliminary results from ongoing targets and projects. Finally, I will propose some ideas to spark a discussion about maximizing the scientific return from the HET/HPF in the coming years.
Other Events in This Series
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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • In Person
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Stars, Planets, and ISM Seminar
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No talk scheduled
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • In Person
Mar
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Stars, Planets, and ISM Seminar
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No talk scheduled
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • In Person
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Stars, Planets, and ISM Seminar
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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • In Person
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Stars, Planets, and ISM Seminar
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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm • In Person
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