The NASA Kepler Mission:Recent Exoplanet and Astrophysical Discoveries
Steve Howell, PhD
Nearly four years ago, NASA launched a space
telescope with the sole purpose of finding exoplanets, planets orbiting other
suns. To date, the Kepler mission has discovered nearly 3000 exoplanet
candidates, many in multiple planet systems, and hundreds of which are near the
size of the Earth. We will explore the wide variety of exoplanets discovered
and focus on the most recent and interesting discoveries. Are other worlds like
our Earth out there? We will see that the answer is, so far, a strong maybe. We
will also discuss Kepler's paradigm changing results in stellar astrophysics.
Kepler photometry is over 100 times the precision of ground-based observations.
Combined with its essentially continuous time coverage, these data provide a
unique and spectacular data set for astronomy. Some specific examples, near to
my heart, will be discussed as well as recent highlights in astrophysics.
About our speaker: Dr. Howell is currently the project scientist for the NASA
Kepler Space Mission. Kepler was
launched in 2009 with a goal to discover planets orbiting other stars -
exoplanets - using the transit technique. To date, Kepler has discovered over
3000 exoplanets including many hundreds which are similar to the Earth in size.
Dr. Howell is a highly distinguished astronomer having worked in the field for
over 25 years. He has been a university professor, built instruments for
ground-based telescopes and the NASA Space Shuttle, worked at Kitt Peak National Observatory, and
now is the science head for NASA's most scientifically and publicly visible
mission, Kepler. He is the author of over 500 scientific publications, numerous
popular and technical articles, and has written and edited several books on
astronomy and astronomical instrumentation. Dr. Howell is highly involved with
informal and formal scientific education for kids to adults and is an
entertaining speaker. He currently lives in Redwood City, CA where he loves to
hike, prepare gourmet meals, and play blues music.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Reception: 6:00; Dinner: 7:00; Talk: 8:00
Meal $30:00 (Students FREE)
562-985-4090
Top of the escalator in the University Dining Plaza
Parking: If arriving before 6pm, park in Lot 1 or Parking Structure 1. If arriving after 6pm, park in Lot 3 or Lot 4.
Please Register by Tuesday January 8, 2013