Chair of Theoretical Astrophysics of Extrasolar Planets

The Munich Exoplanet Chair (sub-department) works broadly on the theory, observation, simulation and phenomenology of exoplanets with a strong focus on understanding their atmospheres. Within the Chair, we have expertise in exoplanetary atmospheres (chemistry, dynamics, radiative transfer, Bayesian inference methods), astrochemistry, disk chemistry and exoplanet observations (using both ground- and space-based telescopes). The Chair is part of the mission consortium of the ARIEL space telescope of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Research Groups

General theory and phenomenology of exoplanetary atmospheres

Theory Group Webpage

Planet formation theory, astrochemistry of protoplanetary disks and planetary atmospheres

Astrochemistry Group Webpage

Exoplanet observations & modelling, precise radial velocities, planet interiors, stellar activity, young planets

Exoplanet Observations Group Webpage

Exoplanets, geodynamics, geochemistry, petrology

Geosciences Group Webpage

General circulation models (GCMs), radiative transfer, photochemistry

GCMs Group Webpage

Team meetings (including visitors), seminars & Master projects

News from the Munich Exoplanet Chair

Recent Publications

  • Recent study led by USM scientists Luis Thomas, Louise Nielsen and Alex Cridland (in collaboration with Lorena Acuña-Aguirre from MPIA, Heidelberg) reveals a potential gap in 'how gaseous' giant exoplanets are, separating Neptune-like planets from bona fide gas giants (such as Saturn and Jupiter). This gap is a likely result of runaway gas accretion, where the Hydrogen/Helium envelope either exceeds the mass of the planet-core and subsequently enters a phase of rapid growth. Planets that never reach this critical envelope mass fraction of ~50% turn out closer to our Neptune in nature.

Astronomy on Tap returns to Munich

  • The global phenomenon Astronomy on Tap once again returns to Munich with the help of scientists from our chair (including Alex, Keith, Louise and Jim). The first event in September, focusing on Cosmology was a success. The next instalment of AoT Munich will take place on October 23, 19hr at Kooks bar (Geyerstraße 18, München) - the theme will be observations!

Members

Bethany Burt

PhD Student

Keith Baka

PhD Student

Dr. David Cont

Fraunhofer-Schwarzschild Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Alex Cridland

Staff Scientist

Hafvid Fachrizza

Master Student

Dr. Leonardos Gkouvelis

Staff Scientist

Matthias Heim

Master Student

Prof. Dr. Kevin Heng

Professor

Kazim Furkan Kurt

Master Student

Sophie Lange

Master Student

Yutong Liu

Master Student

Jebraan Mudholkar

Masters Student

Dr. Louise Nielsen

Staff Scientist & Fraunhofer-Schwarzschild Fellow

Marie-Louise Lykke Nielsen

Master Student

Jim Shih

PhD student

Ina Taxis

Master Student

Dr. Meng Tian

Staff Scientist

Ziqi Wang

PhD Student

Aaron Werlen

PhD Student

Wenbo Zang

PhD Student