Understanding the Directly Imaged Planets

The first two decades of exoplanet discovery were dominated by radial velocity and transit detection methods. As we enter the third decade of exoplanet science direct detection methods are coming to the fore. Ground based instruments including GPI and SPHERE as well as current and future space based telescopes promise both to increase the number of known planets as well as dramatically enhance our ability to characterize their atmospheres. In my talk I will explain how direct imaging methods can inform our understanding of the origin, evolution, and atmospheric physics and chemistry of giant planets using the newly discovered young giant planet 51 Eri b as a prime example. I'll conclude by looking to the future of exoplanet detection and characterization in reflected light from space.

Speaker: Mark Marley, NASA Ames