Astrophysics: Exploring Exoplanets from edX

The discovery of exoplanets is one of the greatest revolutions in modern astrophysics. Twenty years ago, we had no idea whether any of the countless stars out there beyond our solar system had planets or not.

Today, things are totally different. Over 1,000 planetary systems have been discovered. The universe is teeming with planets. And what strange planets they are - hot Jupiter-like planets skimming the surfaces of their stars, cold and lonely free-floating planets far from any star, planets made of diamond, planets with rain made of glass, super-Earths and even planets orbiting neutron stars. In this course, we’ll bring you up-to-date with the latest research on exoplanets, and how this research has revolutionised our understanding of the formation of solar systems like our own.

This course is designed for people who would like to get a deeper understanding of these mysteries than that offered by popular science articles and shows. You will need reasonable high-school level mathematics and physics to get the most out of this course.

This is the second of four ANUx courses which together make up the Australian National University's first year astrophysics program. It follows on from the introductory course on the Greatest Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe, and is followed by courses on the violent universe and on cosmology. These courses compromise the Astrophysics XSeries. Learn more about the XSeries program and register for all the courses in the series today!

What's inside

Learning objectives

An understanding of the different methods used to find and study exoplanets
Knowledge of the results obtained by these methods

An appreciation of how scientists tackle difficult problems

An understanding of the different methods used to find and study exoplanets
Knowledge of the results obtained by these methods
An appreciation of how scientists tackle difficult problems

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on planets orbiting other stars, which is a new and exciting area of astronomy

Led by certified astrophysicists, Brian Schmidt, and Paul Francis, who are experts in the field

Researches the latest discoveries in exoplanets, offering up-to-date knowledge in the field

Appropriate for learners with an interest in astrophysics and a basic understanding of mathematics and physics

Helps learners understand the formation of solar systems like our own

Part of a four-course series on astrophysics, providing a comprehensive study path in the field

Reviews summary

Highly enjoyable exoplanet exploration

Learners say Astrophysics: Exploring Exoplanets is a highly enjoyable series of courses in which students make discoveries, solve mysteries, and learn about the latest information on the subject of exoplanets. Those taking the course should enjoy engaging assignments, although some reviewers did mention that there is a little bit of math involved.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Astrophysics: Exploring Exoplanets with these activities:

Review Kepler's Laws

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Review the Kepler's Laws of motion, which are necessary for an understanding of the motion of planets and moons.

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Read textbook chapters on Kepler's Laws
Solve practice problems on Kepler's Laws

Review basic statistics and probability

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Reviewing basic statistics and probability will help you to better understand the statistical methods used to analyze exoplanet data.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Read textbook chapters on statistics and probability
Solve practice problems on statistics and probability

Review 'Exoplanets' by Michael Perryman

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of exoplanetary science, including the history of exoplanet discovery, the different types of exoplanets, and the methods used to study them.

View When Texas Prison Scams Religion: Texas Board... on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter

Five other activities

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Create a presentation on the Drake Equation

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Creating a presentation on the Drake Equation will help solidify your understanding of the factors that affect the probability of extraterrestrial life.

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Gather information on the Drake Equation
Create a visual presentation
Practice presenting your presentation

Follow tutorials on exoplanet detection methods

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Following tutorials on exoplanet detection methods will help you learn about the different techniques used to find exoplanets.

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Search for online tutorials on exoplanet detection methods
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises

Participate in a discussion forum on exoplanets

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Participating in a discussion forum on exoplanets will allow you to connect with other students and experts, and to share your knowledge and insights.

Browse courses on Exoplanets

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Find a discussion forum on exoplanets
Introduce yourself and share your interests
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Practice solving problems on exoplanet properties

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Practicing solving problems on exoplanet properties will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the physical characteristics of exoplanets.

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Find practice problems on exoplanet properties
Solve the problems and check your answers

Contribute to an open-source exoplanet research project

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Contributing to an open-source exoplanet research project will allow you to gain hands-on experience with the latest research methods and to make a contribution to the field.

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Find an open-source exoplanet research project
Contact the project leader and express your interest in contributing
Follow the project guidelines and make your contribution

Career center

Learners who complete Astrophysics: Exploring Exoplanets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Astrophysicist

This course will be an excellent building block for somebody looking to enter astrophysics. The course will introduce you to the field, and give you an excellent understanding of how planets form outside our solar system.

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Astronomer

This course will give you a foot in the door as an astronomer. The course will equip you with the knowledge of exoplanets, and teach you the methods astronomers use to find and study them.

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Geologist

With an understanding of the physics of planets outside our solar system, you will be ready to learn how to rocks and minerals formed on planets within our own solar system. Basic elements of geology will be helpful before taking this course.

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Science Writer

Learn more about the latest astronomical findings, and be better equipped to write about them as a science writer. This course will give you a strong foundation to explain the methods used to study exoplanets, and the results of these studies. Science writing is an excellent career for people with an interest in science but not necessarily a passion for a career that requires a PhD.

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University Professor

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to teach exoplanets at a university level. While a PhD is typically required to teach at a university, this course will give you a head start on the knowledge you'll need. Make sure to pair this course with others required for graduate-level study.

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Researcher

Get a head start on the methods researchers use to find and study exoplanets. Once well-versed on these methods, you can apply them to researching other kinds of astronomical objects.

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Technical Writer

Learn to take complex information about exoplanets and break it down into terms that non-experts can understand. This will be a useful skill if you wish to pursue a career in technical writing.

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Systems Analyst

Learn about some of the latest technologies used to study and analyze exoplanets. This can give you an edge when working on similar technologies as a systems analyst.

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Data Analyst

This course may be useful for learning how to analyze data from exoplanets to find patterns and trends. This knowledge can be applied to countless roles, including data analysts that work in various industries.

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Financial Analyst

This course may be useful for financial analysts who wish to better understand the economics of space exploration.

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Software Engineer

This course may be useful to learn more about data science as it applies to exoplanetary study.

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Computational Scientist

This course may be useful for computational scientists who wish to learn more about big data as it applies to exoplanetary study.

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Computer Programmer

This course may be useful for computer programmers who wish to learn more about data science as it applies to exoplanetary study.