Come to this free talk by Associate Professor Ian Bond, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University.
More than 3,000 planets orbiting other stars have been found. Most of these are warm/hot planets that orbit close to their host stars. Here in New Zealand the technique of gravitational microlensing is used to discover colder planets in more distant orbits. This is the last unexplored realm of exoplanet space but very important in understanding planet formation and even addressing habitability.
This lecture will cover how we use microlensing in New Zealand, starting from the first planet discovered by this technique through to the latest results. Ian will also look at future plans to work with NASA to use microlensing to find planets from space.
Location: Massey University Albany Campus, State Highway 17, Albany, Auckland
For further information: www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-massey/events/the-fascination-of-science/the-fascination-of-science_home.cfm
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