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Category Archives: Astronomy

Astronomers close in on planets that could be masters of survival

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12.02.2015 - (idw) Max-Planck-Institut fr Astronomie

Two independent groups of astronomers, one led by Simona Ciceri of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, have discovered an unusually massive planet which orbits a red giant star. The planet, Kepler-432b, is one of a total of just five known planets which orbit red giant stars at a fairly close distance. Previously, it had been thought that such planets would be swallowed by their host stars fairly quickly; the new discovery indicates they might survive for longer than previously thought. First hints of the existence of the planet Kepler-432b came from measurements of NASAs Kepler space telescope. The telescope recorded tiny dips in the brightness of the planets host star, caused by the planet passing directly between the star and observers on Earth and blocking some of the stars light (planetary transit). Such dips, however, can have causes other than orbiting planets. Confirmation that Kepler had indeed found a planet came only with the recent independent observations by two groups of astronomers: a group led by Simona Ciceri of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) and one led by Mauricio Ortiz of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University (ZAH). The astronomers had used the CAFE spectrograph at the 2.2 meter telescope at Calar Alto Observatory to detect the planets traces in the spectrum of the star (radial velocity method). The group from ZAH also observed Kepler-432b with the Nordic Optical Telescope on La Palma (Canary Islands).

The combination of the observations by Kepler and with the CAFE spectrograph provided sufficient data to enable the astronomers reconstruct the planets size and mass. Kepler-432b turns out to be unusual in more than one respect. It is about the same size as Jupiter, but with six times Jupiters mass, making it unusually dense. Its orbit is an elongated ellipse, leading to temperature variations between 500 and 1000 degrees Celsius as the planet moves around its host star.

But the most puzzling aspect of Kepler-432b might be why it and other similar planets exist in the first place. The problem is the planets proximity to its host star. Of the nearly 1900 exoplanets known, around 50 orbit stars in the later stages of their lives: red giant stars, which have swollen to between ten and a hundred times their former size as their outer regions have heated up. For a stars planets, this swelling-up can be fatal: Planets too close to the star will be swallowed up, and planets orbiting too close to the red giants surface are likely to be drawn in and swallowed within tens or a few hundreds of million years a short time-span compared with the more than 10 billion years life-time of a star like our Sun.

Until now, astronomers have observed 5 planets, including Kepler-432b, which are unusually close to their red giant hosts. Of these, only two, namely Kepler-432b and Kepler-91b have been observed sufficiently closely to determine both their mass and their size (radial velocity and transit data). Another two have been detected only by measuring their planetary transits, while one has been found using spectral measurements only (radial velocity method).

Even though the planet has proven a master of survival so far, in the long run, there will be no escape: The days of Kepler-432b are numbered, adds Mauricio Ortiz, the PhD student at Heidelberg University who led the other study of the planet. In less than 200 million years, Kepler-432b will be swallowed by its continually expanding host star.

Contact information

Simona Ciceri (first author) Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Phone: +49 6221 528-351 ciceri@mpia.de

Luigi Mancini (co-author) Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Phone: +49 6221 528-454 mancini@mpia.de

Markus Pssel (public information officer) Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Phone: +49 6221 528-261 pr@mpia.de

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Astronomers close in on planets that could be masters of survival

Heidelberg Astronomers Discover Rare Planet

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12.02.2015 - (idw) Ruprecht-Karls-Universitt Heidelberg

Two research groups of Heidelberg astronomers have independently of each other discovered a rare planet. The celestial body, called Kepler-432b, is one of the most dense and massive planets known so far. The teams, one led by Mauricio Ortiz of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University (ZAH) and the other by Simona Ciceri of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, report that the planet has six times the mass of Jupiter, but about the same size. The shape and the size of its orbit are also unusual for a planet like Kepler-432b that is revolving around a giant star. Press Release Heidelberg, 12 February 2015

Heidelberg Astronomers Discover Rare Planet Kepler-432b is a dense, massive celestial body with extreme seasons

Two research groups of Heidelberg astronomers have independently of each other discovered a rare planet. The celestial body, called Kepler-432b, is one of the most dense and massive planets known so far. The teams, one led by Mauricio Ortiz of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University (ZAH) and the other by Simona Ciceri of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, report that the planet has six times the mass of Jupiter, but about the same size. The shape and the size of its orbit are also unusual for a planet like Kepler-432b that is revolving around a giant star. In less than 200 million years, this red giant will most likely swallow up the planet. The results of this research were published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

The majority of known planets moving around giant stars have large and circular orbits. With its small and highly elongated orbit, Kepler-432b is a real maverick among planets of this type, says Dr. Davide Gandolfi from the state observatory Knigstuhl, which is part of the Centre for Astronomy. Dr. Gandolfi is a member of the research group that discovered the planet. He explains that the star around which Kepler-432b is orbiting has already exhausted the nuclear fuel in its core and is gradually expanding. Its radius is already four times that of our Sun and it will get even larger in the future. As the star is reddish in colour, astronomers call it a red giant.

The orbit brings Kepler-432b incredibly close to its host star at some times and much farther away at others, thus creating enormous temperature differences over the course of the planets year, which corresponds to 52 Earth days. During the winter season, the temperature on Kepler-432b is roughly 500 degrees Celsius. In the short summer season, it can increase to nearly 1,000 degrees Celsius, states astronomer Dr. Sabine Reffert from the state observatory Knigstuhl. Kepler-432b was previously identified as a transiting planet candidate by the NASA Kepler satellite mission. From the vantage point of the Earth, a transiting planet passes in front of its host star, periodically dimming the received stellar light.

The days of Kepler-432b are numbered, though, adds Mauricio Ortiz, a PhD student at Heidelberg University who led one of the two studies of the planet. In less than 200 million years, Kepler-432b will be swallowed by its continually expanding host star. This might be the reason why we do not find other planets like Kepler-432b astronomically speaking, their lives are extremely short.

Original publication: M. Ortiz, D. Gandolfi, S. Reffert, A. Quirrenbach, H.J. Deeg, R. Karjalainen, P. Montas-Rodrguez, D. Nespral, G. Nowak, Y. Osorio and E. Palle: Kepler-432 b: a massive warm Jupiter in a 52 day eccentric orbit transiting a giant star, Astronomy & Astrophysics 573 (January 2015), doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/201425146

S. Ciceri, J. Lillo-Box, J. Southworth, L. Mancini, T. Henning, D. Barrado: Kepler-432 b: a massive planet in a highly eccentric orbit transiting a red giant, Astronomy & Astrophysics 573 (January 2015), doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/201425145

Contact: Dr. Davide Gandolfi, Associate Professor Dr. Sabine Reffert Landessternwarte Knigstuhl observatory Tel: +49 6221 54-1722, -1713 dgandolfi@lsw.uni-heidelberg.de sreffert@lsw.uni-heidelberg.de

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Heidelberg Astronomers Discover Rare Planet

Astronomy – Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (15 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Issac Newton – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (15 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Issac Newton
Visit http://ilectureonline.com for more math and science lectures! In this video I will some of the history, laws, and theories of Issac Newton. Next video ...

By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (15 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Issac Newton - Video

Astronomy – Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (11 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Nicolaus Copernicus – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (11 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Nicolaus Copernicus
Visit http://ilectureonline.com for more math and science lectures! In this video I will some of the history, laws, and theories of Nicolas Copernicus. Next ...

By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (11 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Nicolaus Copernicus - Video

John Bochanski: "Data-Driven Discovery: Astronomy in the Era of Large Surveys" – Video

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John Bochanski: "Data-Driven Discovery: Astronomy in the Era of Large Surveys"
Large, digital surveys of the night sky have revolutionized how astronomy is done. Astronomers are no longer tethered to their telescopes, but instead have a...

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John Bochanski: "Data-Driven Discovery: Astronomy in the Era of Large Surveys" - Video

Astronomy – Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (13 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Tycho Brahe – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (13 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Tycho Brahe
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By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (13 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Tycho Brahe - Video

Astronomy – Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (14 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Johannes Kepler – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (14 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Johannes Kepler
Visit http://ilectureonline.com for more math and science lectures! In this video I will some of the history, laws, and theories of Johannes Kepler. Next vid...

By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (14 of 16) The Giants of Astronomy: Johannes Kepler - Video

Wesleyan Hosting Free Weekly Astronomy Sessions In Middletown

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MIDDLETOWN The Wesleyan University astronomy department for the spring semester is offering free public space viewing and science presentations every Wednesday night.

Wesleyan professors and astronomy students will guide the weekly sessions in an effort to make the complex world of space exploration and discovery more accessible to anyone interested in the subject.

"It's an opportunity for the public to learn about what's going on in space and an opportunity for them to interact with the people here at Wesleyan engaged in research," said Professor Meredith Hughes. "The audience is aimed at anyone interested in science and we want them to take away a new understanding about the science."

The sessions will be held rain or shine every Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Van Vleck Observatory on campus on cloudy nights there will be no stargazing but presentations will still be held. There will also be special "Kids' Nights" on the first and third Friday of every month beginning on Feb. 20, where topics will be tailored for children.

Graduate student Jesse Shanahan will run the kids program, which will cover topics including the life cycle of a star, black holes, comets and an introduction to our solar system.

"Astronomy has an appeal for everyone because there's a fascination with stars, and people have a lot of questions," she said. "It's a great experience looking through a telescope at something that's very far away and seeing it up close."

The Wesleyan astronomy department already opens its doors to amateur stargazing groups like the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford, and holds monthly sessions for people to view the night sky through the school's telescopes.

Professor Roy Kilgard said the department's intent is to supplement its outreach to groups already interested and involved in science with new sessions for people who may not have a high level of knowledge about space and astronomy.

"We're really trying to grow it beyond looking through the telescopes," Kilgard said.

The department each semester has about 5 graduate students and 10 to 12 undergraduate students enrolled in astronomy degree programs.

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Wesleyan Hosting Free Weekly Astronomy Sessions In Middletown

Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge presents 'Astronomy Adventure,' Feb. 21

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Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge presents 'Astronomy Adventure,' (shown here) Feb. 21. (courtesy photo)The Messenger-Gazette The Naturalists at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center will present "An Astronomy Adventure" on Saturday, Feb. 21, 6-7 p.m. at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. Family & friends with children age 10 years and older accompanied by a parent will enjoy a presentation by Paul Cirillo, member of the NJ Astronomical Society, on the fascinating subject of Astronomy that will include breathtaking pictures of the Planets, our Galaxy, and beyond. Participants will learn about the latest exploration of Mars and the search for other planets. Information will be provided on the resources available that allow anyone to easily understand the night sky by identifying constellations and planets, seeing satellites, and more!

Fee is $6 per person and preregistration is required. Registration and payment may be made online at http://www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 450 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.

Blue BOBO (Buy One - Bring One) Fridays bins now are located at the Environmental Education Center and Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, as well as at the Somerset County Park Commission headquarters at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The public is invited to drop off canned food or personal-care items for donation to Somerset County food banks.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at http://www.somersetcountyparks.org

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Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge presents 'Astronomy Adventure,' Feb. 21

Observatory in Charlottesville enters data-sharing agreement with Texas facility

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Posted: Thursday, February 12, 2015 8:13 am

Observatory in Charlottesville enters data-sharing agreement with Texas facility The (Charlottesvile) Daily Progress Richmond.com

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Charlottesville has agreed to share data with a similar facility at the University of Texas at Brownsville.

NRAO now has a memorandum of understanding the Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy at UT Brownsville. Researchers are hoping to collaborate on a range of projects, including developing new techniques for locating and tracking spacecraft on interplanetary missions. The partnership also allows the institutions to hold joint workshops and educational initiatives.

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Observatory in Charlottesville enters data-sharing agreement with Texas facility

Astronomy – Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (9 of 16) The Power of Observations and Reasoning – Video

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (9 of 16) The Power of Observations and Reasoning
Visit http://ilectureonline.com for more math and science lectures! In this video I will explain how Aristarchus used the power of observation to calculate t...

By: Michel van Biezen

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Astronomy - Ch. 4: History of Astronomy (9 of 16) The Power of Observations and Reasoning - Video


  1. Astronomy