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Extrasolar Planets and telescope viewing

Published: 14 October 2009

Although we have long suspected the Universe is home to trillions upon trillions of planets like our own, the world had to wait until 1992 for the announcement of the discovery of planets outside the Solar System. Now more than 370 planets are known, most of which are in systems which look nothing like our own. How and why are they so different? What does this tell us about our own planetary system? The feeble light emitted by planets, most of which is simply reflected starlight, is almost impossible to detect in the fierce light of the parent star. How is this difficulty overcome? What do the world’s astronomers have planned for the future?

Following the public lecture (weather permitting), an astronomical viewing session will be held on the top level of the multi-storey car park at the north west corner of Clayton campus.

Time: 7 pm
Date: Thursday 15 October, 2009
Venue: Lecture Theatre C1 Building 63 Monash Clayton campus
RSVP: 15 October 2009

For further information contact:
Name: julia.barnes@sci.monash.edu.au
Telephone: +61 3 9905 3652
Email: julia.barnes@sci.monash.edu.au
Website: International Year of Astronomy 2009 website.