Robust Emergence of diverse planetary systems

Recent observations indicate that super Earths are common whereas gas giants are relatively rare. Based on the sequential core accretion scenario, Dr. Lin will discuss how various physical effects which may lead to the prolific production of super Earths, independent of the mass and metallicity of their host stars, and the marginal occurrence rate of gas giants and its dependence on the host stars' properties.

During their evolution and depletion, protostellar disks regulate protoplanets' dynamical evolution and statistically determine the average and dispersion of the asymptotic orbital configuration of multiple systems. Tidal and magnetic interaction between close-in planets and their host stars may also lead to observable properties which can be used to extract valuable constraints on planets' internal composition and structure.

Speaker: Doug Lin, UC Santa Cruz