The Planetary Systems research group focuses on a wide range of topics including exoplanet detection, characterization, planet formation, and planetary atmospheres. We are leading both cutting-edge observational work and development of new theoretical models. Many members of the Planetary research group observe from McDonald Observatory and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope in West Texas, as well as international facilities like the James Webb Space Telescope.
Within the umbrella of the Planetary group, we have several PI-led research groups. Brendan Bowler's group uses observations to find and characterize planetary systems, aiming to understand how planets form and dynamically evolve over billions of years. Adam Kraus's group studies both planets and stars to understand how planetary systems are affected by host star properties, including binary stars. Caroline Morley's group focuses on substellar atmospheres, including both planets and their more massive brown dwarf counterparts, developing theoretical models of atmospheres on planets large and small. Numerous research scientists, postdocs, and graduate students lead work within the Planetary group.
Members of our group contribute to the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability where we connect with researchers across departments and colleges, including the Jackson School of Geosciences, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and other institutions, to understand planetary habitability.
Chair
Caroline Morley
- Associate Professor
- Isabel McCutcheon Harte Centennial Chair in Astronomy
- Astronomy