The Diversity of Exoplanets from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Cover the basics

If you want to talk about exoplanets, there is no miracle, you have to go through the fundamentals of astrophysics. This is why we propose that you first approach astrophysics from a more historical and fundamental point of view. How did the representation of the universe evolve? How was the modern vision of "celestial mechanics" constructed? You will have the pleasure of discovering the answers to some of these questions. However, in order to go further in this course, we will also see Kepler's three laws as well as some basic notions about protoplanetary disks, planets or star formation. In this first module, we propose to lay the foundations necessary to deal with the concept that interests us all: exoplanets.

Planet detection I

In this second module we will focus on the detection of exoplanets. Together we will discover three methods for detecting extrasolar planets. (1) Radial velocities, which allowed the first detections of hot Jupiters. (2) Astrometry, a method that the Gaia satellite has greatly contributed to boosting. (3) Direct imaging, the only way to really see planetary companions. Don't be scared off by the mathematical approach used to describe these methods. A general understanding is sufficient to follow the next few weeks of the course.

Planet detection II

For this third module, we remain in planet detection. However, this time we will explore the specific case of a planet being seen nearly edge-on and transiting its star. The observation of exoplanet eclipses (transits and occultations) provides us with a wealth of parameters and is currently the most powerful technique to study the structure and other intrinsic properties of planets. In this module, you will therefore have the opportunity to discover mainly how to apply the transit method, but also, at the end of the module, the main outcomes that have been obtained through the use of the transit method.

Statistical results I

Now let's dive into statistics! In this module, we will be interested in the statistical properties of planetary systems. We have chosen to use a chronological approach to do so. First of all, you will discover the first results of the radial velocity programs which unveiled the great diversity of planetary systems. We will then compare these results with those obtained more recently by the transit surveys and the most recent radial velocity surveys. The statistical results of these research programs have brought to light a multiplicity of discoveries around exoplanets. You will have the pleasure of discovering them throughout this module.

Statistical results II

For this fifth module, let's continue our exploration of statistical methods! We will continue to discover the properties of the exoplanetary systems that have been detected so far. You will have the opportunity to understand the link between the properties of the planets and the mass of the central star. We will also see in more detail the dynamics of multiplanetary systems, how planet-planet interactions are translated and, in particular, what are the parameters that influence the stability of systems.

Surfaces and atmospheres

Let us leave now the statistical analyses to go and look at the properties of the surfaces and atmospheres of exoplanets. In the previous modules, we have seen that radial velocity measurements combined with transits observations allow us to have access to the average density of exoplanets. We could thus put some constraints on the internal structure of the objects. Although only a few very specific systems (young and massive planets with large separation) have been imaged so far, spectroscopic measurements and subtle strategies of observation of transiting and non-transiting systems allow us to know the characteristics of planetary surfaces and atmospheres. This is all we will see together for this penultimate module.

Latest news from the exoplanetary atmospheres

For this last part of the course, let's continue and complete our exploration of the atmospheres of exoplanets. This module is in fact an update of the course. It integrates the new insights obtained on exoplanet atmospheres since 2014 (date of the first edition of this MOOC). Actually, the content of these last videos is very close to what you would get if you were attending a review on the subject at a real scientific conference. We hope you will enjoy this journey through the different layers of the atmosphere of exoplanets!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines exoplanets, which is a highly relevant topic in astronomy

Focuses on the statistical properties and detection methods of exoplanets, which provides a comprehensive understanding

Develops insights into exoplanet atmospheres and surfaces, which adds depth to the learning experience

Includes updates on exoplanet atmospheres, keeping learners abreast of the latest knowledge

Teaches methods for exoplanet detection, which students can apply for projects

Content may need to be updated in other areas to reflect the latest advances in the field

Reviews summary

Exoplanets: discovery and diversity

Learners say that The Diversity of Exoplanets is an extraordinary course that provides a good overview of exoplanets. They were especially impressed by the fact that the course was taught by the team that discovered the first exoplanet. Students appreciated that you could take each quiz three (3) times and take the highest score of the three. Overall, this well-received course is a good option for those interested in learning more about exoplanets.

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 The Diversity of Exoplanets with these activities:

Explore NASA's Exoplanet Exloration Program

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Review NASA's documentation on Exoplanet Exploration. This will help orient you to the subject and give you some history.

Browse courses on Nasa

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Read through NASA's Exoplanet Exploration page
Follow links and explore the topic at your own direction

Review basic astrophysics and celestial mechanics

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Ensure you understand the fundamental principles from the first module of this course.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Simulate exoplanet detection and characterization techniques

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Reinforce and test your understanding of exoplanet detection and characterization by simulating these techniques in practice.

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Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete The Diversity of Exoplanets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Planetary Scientist

Planetary Scientists study planets, including their composition, structure, and atmospheres. This course can fit into the career path of a Planetary Scientist by providing knowledge of exoplanet detection and characterization methods. Additionally, one can learn how to analyze exoplanet atmospheres through spectroscopy and light curve analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Planetary Scientist

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret data to extract meaningful insights. This course can fit into the career path of a Data Scientist by providing experience in analyzing data from exoplanet observations. The course also covers statistical methods and their applications to exoplanet research.

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Astrobiologist

Astrobiologists search for life beyond Earth by studying the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. An understanding of exoplanets and their atmospheres is essential to the work of an Astrobiologist. This course can provide a solid overview of the methods used to study exoplanets.

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Astronomer

Astronomers study celestial objects and phenomena by observing and analyzing electromagnetic radiation. This course can be a helpful addition to an Astronomer's skill set by teaching planet detection methods such as radial velocities, astrometry, and direct imaging. These can be applied to the study of exoplanets specifically.

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Astrophysicist

An Astrophysicist researches the physical properties of celestial objects and phenomena. The study of exoplanets touches on the expanding field of astrophysics. Courses such as "The Diversity of Exoplanets" may fit into an Astrophysicist's career path by building a foundation in astrophysics and its history. This course also covers celestial mechanics, protoplanetary disks, and star formation.

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Physics Teacher

Physics Teachers educate students about the principles of physics. This course may be a valuable resource for a Physics Teacher who wants to incorporate the latest findings in exoplanet research into their curriculum.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public. This course provides an overview of the methods used to study exoplanets, which can be useful for a Science Writer who wants to write about this topic.

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Spacecraft Engineer

Spacecraft Engineers design, build, test, and operate spacecraft. They may also plan and conduct space missions. The course's emphasis on spectroscopy and light curve analysis may be a useful tool in the toolkit of a Spacecraft Engineer, enabling them to better design and operate spacecraft for exoplanet research.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. This course can help a Technical Writer who needs to write about exoplanet research or related topics.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and exhibits on a variety of topics. This course may be useful for a Museum Educator who wants to create exhibits or programs about exoplanets.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. The material covered in the "The Diversity of Exoplanets" course may be useful for a Software Engineer working on projects related to exoplanet research or data analysis.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records. This course may be useful for an Archivist who wants to specialize in preserving and managing records related to exoplanet research.

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Patent Examiner

Patent Examiners review patent applications to determine if they meet the criteria for patentability. This course may be useful for a Patent Examiner who specializes in examining patents related to exoplanet research.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. This course can provide a Librarian with the knowledge they need to help patrons who are interested in exoplanets.

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Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence to help solve crimes. This course may be useful for a Forensic Scientist who wants to specialize in analyzing evidence related to exoplanet research.

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