Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 07-Nov-2018
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Dr. Jonathan Fortney (University of California Santa Cruz)
Title: New Windows on Giant Planet Structure and Composition
In our current era of planetary physics we can use the astronomical perspective to look for trends in giant planet structure that can only be seen with a large sample size. We can also use detailed observations of Jupiter and Saturn, provided by Juno and Cassini, to test if long-held assumptions about giant planets really hold true. I will discuss several exoplanet topics including the giant planet mass-metallicity relation, connections with atmospheric abundances, and the radius anomaly of hot Jupiters. These works rest on a standard modeling framework for giant planet structure and evolution that can be tested in detail for Jupiter and Saturn. For Saturn specifically, I will show how Cassini inferences of the gravity field and internal oscillations probe the planet's interior structure in new ways.
Colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students.
Colloquium Organizer:
Prof. Richard Mushotzky
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
