Speaker: Dr. Laura Kreidberg (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)

Abstract: "We now know that exoplanets abound in the Galaxy, with most stars hosting at least one planet. These recently discovered worlds are much more diverse than the planets in the Solar System, and raise many questions about their formation, evolution, and habitability. To address these questions, we turn to atmosphere characterization, which provides a wealth of additional information about the planets. I will discuss the state of the art in atmosphere studies, focusing on new developments in comparative planetology, the 3D nature of atmospheres, cloud and haze formation, and whether rocky planets have atmospheres at all. I will conclude with a discussion of future prospects for atmosphere characterization in the coming decades."

Short bio: Laura Kreidberg is a Clay Fellow at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard and Smithsonian, where she studies the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. Previously she was a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. Prior to coming to Harvard, Laura was a graduate student at the University of Chicago and an undergraduate at Yale. Her research focuses on mapping the climate, chemical composition, and (ultimately) habitability of worlds beyond the Solar System.