Characterizing Extrasolar Planets
Monday 19 April, 2:30 pm, Curia II
Sara Seager (CIW)
@: seager AT dtm.ciw.edu

We have entered a new era in planetary astrophysics with well over
100 giant planets now known to orbit nearby sun-like stars.
Recent theoretical and observational advances have given us new
constraints on the physical characteristics of extrasolar planets,
while ongoing and proposed observing programs and space missions
hold great promise for the future of extrasolar planet science.
I will discuss the emerging understanding of the extrasolar transiting
planet HD209458b, tying together several recent observational
constraints as well as key upcoming measurements. I will
also briefly review planet transit searches and prospects
for the future detection and study of Earth-like planets.