Physics/Astronomy: Exoplanets and How to Find Them by Dr Andrew Norton, The Open University

Twenty years ago, planets around other stars were the stuff of science fiction – now over 800 are known with thousands of other candidates identified.

This talk will explore how astronomers discover these so-called Exoplanets and what can be learnt about them using basic techniques of physics. Topics covered will link to curriculum areas of light, spectra and the Doppler effect, as well as gravity, stars & planets.

There will be opportunities for students to think about how the measurements are made and come up with their own solutions. Cutting-edge results from current research will be presented, including the presenter’s own involvement with the SuperWASP project. One intention is to show how basic techniques of physics can be applied to an area of research that may normally be considered very abstract.

Suitable for: Key Stage 4 Gifted & Talented with an interest or potential interest in the Sciences.

Preparation/Pre-reading: Find out about the Kepler spacecraft.