EAPS

Planetary Lunch Seminar (PLS) - Sarah Millholland (MIT)
Date Time Location
September 27th, 2022 12:30pm-1:30pm 54-517 and https://mit.zoom.us/j/96525774689
Title: Systems of Short-Period Exoplanets: Regularities and Anomalies

Abstract: Exoplanetary systems containing multiple close-in, sub-Neptune-sized planets are ubiquitous, representing a dominant outcome of planet formation. These systems exhibit a striking degree of architectural regularity and uniformity, such as nearly circular and coplanar orbits, regular orbital spacings, and intra-system correlations in planetary masses and radii. Beyond this first-order structure, however, these systems also display mysterious anomalies that require explanations. This talk will address three “architectural anomalies” from both an observational and theoretical perspective. I will propose that planet-planet and planet-star dynamical interactions can explain several of the anomalies. I will close with the discovery of a new anomaly that is as-yet unexplained.

About this Series: The MIT Planetary Lunch Seminar [PLS] is a weekly seminar series organized within the EAPS department. Colloquia topics span the range of research interests of the department's planetary sciences research program. The seminars take place on Tuesdays from 12:30–1:30 pm, unless otherwise noted (term-time only). Speakers include members of the MIT community and visitors. Talks are intended to appeal to graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty with a background in planetary science. To be added to the planetary email listserv, please contact planetary-org@mit.edu. In general, For more information and Zoom password contact: planetary-org@mit.edu.