| UNITOV Prof. L. Mancini | Exoplanets (S3, elective, 6 ECTS) |
| Learning Outcomes: | Exoplanet research is one of the most rapidly developing subjects in astronomy. Many groups world-wide are actively involved in a broad range of observational and theoretical efforts. This course ties together these many avenues of investigation from the perspectives of observation, technology and theory to give a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the field. |
| Knowledge and Understanding: | On completion of the course, the student will have acquired the knowledge of the demographics of exoplanets, their physical characteristics and observational methods to find and characterize them. |
| Applying Knowledge and Understanding: | A written comprehensive report will be required on a single exoplanetary system and will be discussed with the class through an oral contribution. |
| Prerequisites | Basic astrophysics, Basic astronomy, Stellar Physics |
| Program | Introduction: Definition of a planet, Planet categories, Discovery status Radial velocities: Orbits and orbit fitting, Measurement principles, Wavelength calibration, Accuracy limits and error sources, Radial-velocity instruments, Radial-velocity surveys, Properties of the radial velocity planets, Multiple planet systems, Planets around binary and multiple stars Astrometry: Microarcsec astrometry, Modelling, Astrometric measurements from ground, Astrometric measurements from space Timings: Pulsars, Pulsating stars, Eclipsing binaries Microlensing: Principles of gravitational lensing, Light curves, Modelling, Microlensing observations, Results Transits: Surveys from the ground, Surveys from the space, Follow-up observations, Accuracy: photometric and timing, Light curve analysis, Modelling, Photometric effects, Orbital phase curves, Rossiter-McLaughlin effect, Secular timing effects, Transit timing variations, Trojans, Exomoons, Transmission Spectroscopy, Emission Spectroscopy, Properties of transiting planets, Properties of host stars, Multiple planet systems, Circumbinary planets Imaging: Atmospheric effects, Coronagraphic masks, Ground-based imaging instruments, Space-based imaging instruments, Surveys and discoveries Host stars: Physical properties, Stellar rotation, Element abundances, Occurrence versus stellar type, Star-planet interactions Formation and evolution: Protoplanetary disks, Rocky-planet formation, Gas-planet formation, Resonances, Long-term stability, Orbital migration, Tidal effects, Planets in multiple star systems, Solar-system formation Interiors and atmospheres: Planet constituents, Planet interiors, Planet atmospheres, Mass-radius relations, Transit and occultation spectra, High-resolution spectroscopy, Habitability Brown dwarfs: Observations and discoveries, Follow-up observations, Classification, Physical properties, Formation Free-floating planets |
| Description of how the course is conducted | Frontal lessons; slides for showing images, diagrams and animations; seminars in the classroom. |
| Description of the didactic methods | See above. Attendance is recommended |
| Description of the evaluation methods | Oral exam on the course topics |
| Adopted Textbooks | M. Perryman, The Exoplanet Handbook, 2nd edition, 2018, Cambridge University Press |
| Recommended readings |
