Néstor Espinoza
Associate astronomer and mission scientist for exoplanet science at the Space Telescope Science Institute, known for work on JWST exoplanet observations and atmospheric retrieval/statistical tools.
Best podcasts with Néstor Espinoza
Ranked by the Snipd community
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 41min
#28 Néstor Espinoza - JWST, Exoplanet Atmospheres, Molecule Detection
Néstor Espinoza, an associate astronomer and mission scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, dives into the fascinating world of exoplanet atmospheres. He shares insights on various techniques like transmission spectroscopy and secondary eclipses for probing atmospheric composition. Néstor contrasts findings from JWST with earlier Hubble observations, highlighting unexpected discoveries such as CO2. He discusses the challenges of detecting thermal signatures and how JWST's instruments help unravel the mysteries of distant worlds, all while reflecting on the societal value of exoplanet science.
Sep 3, 2025 • 24min
Webb's Exoplanet Research Sounds Like Sci-Fi—But It's Real
Néstor Espinoza, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, dives into the fascinating realm of exoplanets and the discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope. He describes mind-boggling worlds, including gas giants with glass rain and extreme winds. Listeners learn about the potential of rocky exoplanets, particularly in the Trappist-1 system, to support life. Espinoza also shares his journey in science, emphasizing collaboration and inspiration for future scientists aiming to explore the cosmos.
