Do, 20.02.2025 14:00

Seminar: The POLLUX high-resolution spectropolarimeter and the exoplanet science case

Doz. Dr. Luca Fossati will talk about a new UV instrument for next generation space telescopes to redefine the boundaries of exoplanet science.

POLLUX is a candidate European instrumental contribution to the Habitable Worlds Observatory, designed to advance our understanding of the universe through its exceptional capabilities. This high-resolution spectropolarimeter (R > 60,000) offers nearly continuous coverage from the far-ultraviolet (~110 nm) to the near-infrared (~1.6 microns), making it a versatile tool for a wide range of scientific investigations from solar system studies to cosmology. Exoplanet research is a key focus of POLLUX, driving much of its design. In this presentation, I will explore the instrument's exoplanet science cases. These include star-planet interactions leveraging POLLUX's ultraviolet spectropolarimetric capabilities to probe the dynamic interactions between stars and their orbiting planets; atmospheric characterisation utilising its unique high spectral resolution and broad simultaneous wavelength coverage (spanning from Ly-alpha to the near-infrared) to analyse exoplanet atmospheres in unprecedented detail; and surface composition of rocky exoplanets investigating the surface materials of rocky exoplanets using POLLUX's ultraviolet high-resolution capabilities. POLLUX is set to redefine the boundaries of exoplanet science, providing unparalleled insights into the composition, dynamics, and environments of distant worlds.

Informationen

 

IWF Seminar series

Speaker
Luca Fossati

When
20.2.2025, 14.00 Uhr

Where
U.a.4 in-person and via Zoom

Recordings
Please be aware that the talks may be recorded, including the questions asked by the audience after the talk.