The Masses of Gas Giant Worlds on the Cold Frontier of Exoplanetary Science

Dalba Paul A, Riverside CA

Investigators

Abstract

Paul Dalba is awarded an NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct a program of research and education at the University of California, Riverside. Using high-precision radial velocity observations, Dalba will infer the masses, sizes, and compositions of cold gas giant exoplanets. Comparing the nature of these exoplanets with gas giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn would lead to a better understanding of planet formation and evolution. Alongside this research, Dalba will train undergraduate students in computer programming applicable in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The proposed research program seeks to advance our understanding of cold gas giant exoplanets that are weakly irradiated by their host stars. Dalba will use spectroscopic and photometric observations to characterize these planets, test models of planet formation and evolution, and place planets like Jupiter and Saturn in a galactic context. For the education component of his work, Dalba will develop a series of workshops that will provide community college students with a general knowledge of computer programming and computational tools that are useful for STEM applications in academia or industry. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.