Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 204 | John Asher Johnson on Hunting for Exoplanets
Jul 18, 2022
Join John Asher Johnson, a Harvard astronomy professor and exoplanet expert, as he dives into the thrilling world of planets beyond our solar system. He discusses groundbreaking detection methods that have led to the discovery of thousands of exoplanets. Johnson explores the complexities of these celestial bodies, their unexpected features, and their chaotic orbits. The conversation also touches on the revolutionary Kepler mission, advancements in technology like the James Webb Space Telescope, and what these findings mean for the future of extraterrestrial life search.
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Early Exoplanet Discoveries
- Early exoplanet discoveries challenged the solar system model.
- Hot Jupiters, with short orbits, were a major surprise.
Exoplanet System Diversity
- Some exoplanet systems are coplanar like our solar system.
- Others have misaligned orbits and even retrograde planets.
Retrograde Planet Formation
- John Asher Johnson explains a theory of retrograde planet formation.
- Gravitational interactions with companion stars can cause orbital misalignment.
