Thesis

Detecting light from other worlds: the high-resolution spectroscopy approach

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2016

• Academic Year:

  2016 / 2017

• Domain:

  Astrophysics

• Supervisor:

  Nuno Santos

• Co-Supervisor:

• Institution:

  Universidade do Porto

• Host Institution:

  Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço/Univ. Porto

• Abstract:

  With the number of exoplanets increasing at a fast pace, the attention of exoplanetology is slowly focusing in their detailed characterization. The detection of exoplanet atmospheres is now a reality for at least the most favourable cases, though in general not in great detail. In the present project we propose to develop a methodology to detect the spectra of exoplanets using highresolution spectroscopy, and in particular to study the reflectance of the exoplanet as a function of wavelength. The methods will be used with the new ESPRESSO (ESO) instrument that will soon start operating at the VLT. Together with planet atmosphere models, the observations will allow us to probe and understand in unique detail the physical and chemical conditions of the observed planets.