Astro Seminar : Dr. Leonardo dos Santos (STScI)

Hear from Leonardo dos Santos (STScI) during his talk entitled, "New observations and models of atmospheric escape for hot exoplanets." Please note that this is a private lecture series; reach out to the host to attend. 

Abstract: Atmospheric escape is thought to be the most important process shaping the evolution of primary atmospheres in sub-Jovian exoplanets. Models of photoevaporation predict that the bulk of the escape happens in the early lives of these exoplanets when their host stars are the most active and thus brighter in short wavelengths relevant for the onset of escape. In this talk, I will discuss some of the most recent observations of evaporation in exoplanets from space and from the ground. I will also demonstrate how we are working to measure mass loss rates in a consistent manner using simplified but effective one-dimensional models. Finally, I will show some recent results for young transiting exoplanets that our group is currently working on.