Transiting Exoplanets

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Cambridge University Press, Jul 29, 2010 - Science - 335 pages
The methods used in the detection and characterization of exoplanets are presented through the study of transiting systems in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates. From determining the atmospheric properties of transiting exoplanets to measuring the planetary orbit's alignment with the stellar spin, students will discover what these measurements imply for reinvigorated theories of planet formation and evolution. Worked examples and exercises with full solutions help students to assess their understanding of concepts and results. Key points and equations are highlighted to make them easily identifiable, and there are full color illustrations throughout. Bridging the gap between introductory, non-mathematical texts and more advanced textbooks, this book is ideal for students with some background in mathematics, physics and astronomy. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at: http://www.cambridge.org/features/astrophysics.
 

Contents

TRANSITING EXOPLANETS
11
3
26
Transits
39
Chapter 2
47
4
73
7
79
2
90
3
112
Chapter 4
122
Transmission spectroscopy and
164
Secondary eclipses and phase variations
194
Transit timing variations
219
Brave new worlds
255
References and further reading
273
Appendix
281
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About the author (2010)

Carole A. Haswell is a Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Open University. She worked on accretion flows around black hole binary star systems until becoming fascinated by the field of exoplanets. Her research work now focuses on Hubble Space Telescope observations of transiting exoplanets.

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