Exoplanets
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Vanderbilt astronomer co-authors seminal roadmap for the next decade of U.S. research in outer space
Keivan Stassun joins leading astronomers to write "Astro2020," a once-in-a-decade guide for astronomy research, prioritizing gargantuan telescopes on the ground and in orbit as well as increased diversity and inclusion. Read MoreNov 15, 2021
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Vanderbilt, The Ohio State University are joint Founding Members of satellite mission ‘Twinkle’ to find potentially habitable worlds around nearby stars
Following the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission, Vanderbilt astronomer Keivan Stassun leads the next phase of discovery to find atmospheres like our own. Read MoreJul 23, 2020
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Vanderbilt astronomers among NASA’s TESS Mission team to discover a rare newly formed planet
Stars mapped out by Vanderbilt astronomers for exploration by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission and recently decommissioned Spitzer Space Telescope have led to the discovery of AU Mic b, a newly formed Neptune-like exoplanet located a relatively short 31.9 light-years away. Read MoreJun 24, 2020
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NASA’s TESS mission to discover new worlds will use a map developed at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt’s Keivan Stassun serves as a deputy principal investigator on the mission and is tasked with identifying the most promising stars to target in its search for habitable nearby planets. Read MoreApr 16, 2018
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Better way to weigh millions of solitary stars
Astronomers have come up with a new and improved method for measuring the masses of millions of solitary stars, especially those with planetary systems. Read MoreDec 14, 2017
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CANCELED: View rare daytime astronomical event at Dyer Observatory May 9
Visitors will have the unusual opportunity to safely view the planet Mercury as it transits directly across the face of the sun using Dyer Observatory’s solar telescopes. Read MoreApr 26, 2016
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The Search for Earth-Like Planets
Researchers have developed a model that estimates the effect that a star's diet has on its chemical composition. This model will add substantially to astronomers’ understanding of the process of planet formation as well as assist in the ongoing search for Earth-like exoplanets. Read MoreSep 26, 2014
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Astronomers identify signature of Earth-eating stars
Vanderbilt astronomers have developed a model that predicts the effect that ingesting earth-like planets has on the chemical composition of stars like the Sun -- a capability that can aid in efforts to find Earth-like exoplanets. Read MoreMay 16, 2014
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Vanderbilt’s role in new planet-finding space mission
A team of Vanderbilt astronomers will play a key role in the planet-seeking space telescope that NASA has just approved and scheduled for launch in 2017. Read MoreMay 1, 2013
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“Extremely little” telescope discovers pair of odd planets
A small telescope with a lens no more powerful than a high-end digital camera has discovered the existence of two very unusual exoplanets. Read MoreJun 13, 2012