Podcast Summary
Exoplanets and their variations: Only 10% of single stars have a Jupiter-like planet and celestial bodies in the universe can vary greatly from what we know in our solar system, including multiple stars and unusual planetary compositions.
The universe is full of wonders beyond our own solar system, from exoplanets to their moons, rings, and even Trojans. These celestial bodies can vary greatly from what we know in our own solar system, with many having multiple stars or unusual planetary compositions. For instance, only 10% of single stars have a Jupiter-like planet, and our solar system's Jupiter and Saturn, despite similar sizes, have different masses. The Cool Worlds Lab at Columbia University, led by Dr. David Kipping, is dedicated to discovering and studying these diverse worlds, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.
Exomoons discovery: Researchers led by Dr. Kipping at Columbia University study exoplanets and their potential moons using theoretical modeling and observations, with the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope. They're excited about the potential discovery of exomoons around Jupiter-like Kepler 167E, emphasizing the importance of staying nimble in scientific exploration.
Dr. Kipping, a researcher at Columbia University, leads a team of graduate students studying exoplanets and their moons. He also runs a popular YouTube channel to share his scientific findings with the public. The team's research involves both theoretical modeling and observations, using various telescopes including the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope. They are particularly excited about the potential discovery of exomoons around a Jupiter-like planet called Kepler 167E. The team's work builds on the progress of previous telescopes and is part of a larger scientific endeavor to expand our understanding of the universe. Dr. Kipping emphasizes the importance of staying nimble and not limiting oneself to labels like "theorist" or "observer." The team's challenges include identifying the presence of exomoons through the reflection of light or the moon's transit in front of the planet. They are currently in the process of making significant progress in this area.
Occultations vs Transit Phenomena: Occultations provide valuable information about exoplanets but only work for edge-on systems, while transit phenomena offer a unique window into these systems and are a 'royal road to success' in planetary discovery. Future advanced telescopes will provide more complete understanding through photos of planets and their surfaces.
The detection of exoplanets and their moons often relies on the technique of occultations, where a planet passes in front of a star, causing a dip in starlight. This method provides valuable information such as the size and distance of the planet, as well as its orbital period and inclination. However, it only works for systems that are edge-on to our field of view, leaving many undetected. Transit phenomena, as Dr. Kipping explained, serve as a "royal road to success" by providing a unique window into these systems. While other methods like radial velocity can also be used to infer planets indirectly, they have their limitations. The future of planetary discovery lies in advanced telescopes that can take actual photos of planets and their surfaces, giving us a more complete understanding of these worlds.
Stellar siblings and cosmic family reunions: Although it's unlikely to find our exact stellar siblings in the Milky Way, scientists search for stars with similar ages and chemistry to study our cosmic origins, and studying other solar systems helps us understand our own.
Our sun, like all stars, was born in a stellar nursery, but due to the dispersal and movement of stars over billions of years, it's unlikely we'll be able to find our exact siblings in the Milky Way. However, scientists are actively searching for stars with similar ages and chemistry to our sun as a way to "reunite" with our cosmic family. Additionally, studying the formation of planets around other stars, particularly the presence of massive gas giants far from their stars, is shedding new light on our own solar system and its mysteries. As for the fastest rotating star before a supernova, it's currently unknown, but theories suggest extreme rotation could lead to increased fusion rates and potentially alter a star's life cycle.
Stellar rotation and aging, gyrochronology: Young stars rotate quickly and slow down as they age due to magnetic braking, which can be used to estimate their age. Future space telescopes may focus on direct imaging of distant exoplanets through missions like the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
Stars, including our sun, spin and change their rotation speeds over time. Stars, particularly young ones, can rotate extremely fast, close to their breakup speed, but they tend to slow down as they age due to magnetic breaking. This effect, also known as gyrochronology, can be used to estimate a star's age. As for future space telescopes, there's ongoing discussion about upgrading from the James Webb Space Telescope to a direct imaging mission, such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which aims to take photos of distant exoplanets. This is part of a decadal survey process where astronomers come together to determine the best ideas for funding. The goal is to continue exploring the universe with increasingly detailed and focused missions.
JWST and Stellar Evolution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) explores various branches of astrophysics, including the early universe, exoplanets, and solar system planets, using its unique ability to observe in infrared and potentially ultraviolet wavelengths. Stars, as the primary source of heavy elements, contribute to our understanding of the universe and the search for life on exoplanets.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a groundbreaking mission that serves various branches of astrophysics, from studying the early universe to imaging exoplanets and even solar system planets. Its ability to observe in different wavelengths, such as infrared and potentially ultraviolet, expands the scope of research for astronomers and planetary scientists, bringing new discoveries and mysteries to light. The JWST's vast price tag necessitates the involvement and support of the entire astrophysics community, as it opens new frontiers in our understanding of the universe. Additionally, stars are the primary source of heavy elements, making us "star stuff," and the search for life on exoplanets is driven by the potential presence of these essential ingredients.
Moon and planet mysteries: Current knowledge about moons and planets is based on observations in our solar system, but there are many unsolved mysteries such as frozen cores for outer moons and planets with counter-rotating orbits. New technologies and discoveries may provide answers and lead to new questions.
Our current knowledge about the properties of moons and planets, including their cores and rotations, is largely based on observations of those in our solar system. However, there are many mysteries that remain unsolved, such as the possibility of frozen cores for moons outside our solar system or the existence of planets with counter-rotating or counter-revolving orbits. Current technology allows us to measure some aspects of these phenomena, but there are limitations. The next generation of telescopes and technologies, as well as new scientific discoveries and ways of thinking, may provide answers to these questions and lead to new ones. For instance, astronomer David Kipping's work with the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed new intriguing observations that require further investigation and potentially new types of telescopes to answer. Overall, science is an ongoing process of building on previous knowledge and discoveries, pushing the boundaries of what we can understand about the universe.
Extraterrestrial life discovery: Scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson eagerly await discovery of extraterrestrial life, JWST could detect signs of life in atmosphere, potential discovery would have significant implications.
The discovery of extraterrestrial life would be a groundbreaking event, and scientists and the public alike would be eager to learn about it. Neil deGrasse Tyson expressed his excitement about the potential discovery, emphasizing that if someone finds life, they should call him. The discussion also touched upon the possibility of detecting signs of life in the atmosphere using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The conversation took place during an episode of StarTalk, featuring Neil and his colleague David Kipping from Columbia University. The episode ended with Neil reminiscing about being in the middle of the city while discussing such cosmic matters. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance and excitement surrounding the search for extraterrestrial life and the potential implications of such a discovery.