Taking Pictures of Newborn Planets

Come join the Physics and Biophysics Department on October 9 to learn from Amherst College's Dr. Kate Follette.

One of the most important and exciting recent advancements in astronomy is the ability to directly image planets that are still forming around other stars. These newborn exoplanets, so-called "proto"-planets, are exciting because they offer clues about the physics of planet formation, including how the universe assembles planets that are very different from those in our own solar system. In this talk, Follette will walk the audience through a variety of observations of planet-forming systems using both ground-based and space-based telescopes, paying particular attention to the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process, as well as the bright future of this field.

Pizza included!

About the speaker: 
Kate Follette, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Amherst College. An observational astronomer, her research is motivated by a desire to understand where, when and how planets form around other stars. She also researches STEM education and pedagogy, with a particular interest in undergraduate research mentoring and the teaching of practical numerical ("quantitative reasoning") skills through introductory science courses for non-majors. Follette is a former Fulbright Fellow, NASA Sagan Fellow and the recipient of a Cottrell Scholar Award.