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Exoplanets

Exoplanets

An exoplanet is a planet which orbits a star that is not our Sun. The name exoplanet comes from 'extra-solar planet'.

On the bottom left, there is a section of a sun-like star, covering around half of the image. It is orange-yellow, with a large red-brown spot, and yellow-white loops leave the surface and arc around before joining again. Towards the upper right of the image, there is an illustration of a planet. It is dark brown but lighter where the star shines on it. The background is blue-black with some small white dots of stars. Behind the planet there is a cloudy band, similar to the one of the Milky Way.
This work by ESA/NASA/G. Tinetti (University College London, UK & ESA)/M. Kornmesser (ESA/Hubble) is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Artist's impression of exoplanet HD 189733b

Life Elsewhere

Astrobiologists believe that three ingredients which are vital for life. They are water, energy, and organic molecules such as carbon (C). Energy and organic molecules are abundant in the Universe. But liquid water is rare. 

A photograph of a black smoker, an underwater hydrothermal vent located on the ocean floor. The structure releases dark clouds of mineral-rich water, which are visible as it rises from the chimney-like formation, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue background of the ocean
This work by NOAA Ocean Explorer is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
Black smoker thermal vent at the bottom of the ocean

John Johnson

Early Life

John Johnson grew up in St Louis, USA. He has a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a PhD in Astronomy from the University of California, Berkeley. John’s interest in astronomy was sparked when he saw the Perseids meteor shower. He was 21 at the time and did not take any astronomy courses before he started his PhD. John did not have a lot of confidence when he started studying astronomy.

Year born: 1977

Research Areas: Exoplanets

 

"I found the opportunity to find planets orbiting other stars irresistible. Once I learned that this was a viable career path, I immediately hopped on board."

Carl Sagan

Early Life

Carl Sagan grew up in Brooklyn, USA in a working-class family. Carl’s interest in astronomy began as a 5-year old child when he would visit the library to find books about stars. He loved science fiction books and became fascinated by extra-terrestrial life. As a teenager, he visited museums and science fairs, to learn as much as he could. He went to university aged 16, to study physics, alongside genetics, chemistry, and biology.

Year born: 1934

Research Areas: Extraterrestrial Life, Planetary Science

 

"Not explaining science seems to me perverse.
When you're in love, you want to tell the world."