Dr. Yanqin Wu, University of Toronto
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Abstract: A large number of close-in super-Earths have now been discovered. How they form, and how they relate to other classes of planets, remain unsolved. In this talk, I will discuss recent progress regarding their masses, their composition, and their companion planets, leading to the conclusion that super-Earths make up a surprisingly uniform population. This uniformity is unpredicted and brings new insights to the theory of planet formation.Two side points: planet census indicates that planetary systems like our own, with low-mass terrestrials inside and cold giants outside, are likely rare in the Milky Way; Kepler planets have interesting connections to the formation of stellar binaries.
Refreshments served at 3:15pm in the Kuiper Atrium