Astrophysics seminar: Caroline Terquem on the dynamics of extrasolar planets on inclined orbits

This week’s Astrophysics seminar may be of interest to CPS members. Professor Caroline Terquem from Oxford University will talk about: Dynamics of extrasolar planets on inclined orbits.

Abstract:

As of today, about 2000 objects have received the label of “confirmed” extrasolar planets. Recent observations indicate that a significant number of the Jupiter-type planets with very short  periods are on an orbit which is inclined with respect to the equatorial plane of their host star.   This is difficult to explain in the context of planets forming in a protostellar disc assumed to lie in that plane.

In this talk, I will review different mechanisms that have been proposed to account for the observed orbital inclinations.  I will then focus on the case of an orbit inclined with respect to the disc, and will discuss the interaction between the planet and the disc in this context and the subsequent orbital evolution.