Keck Observatory Donor Salon: Searching for Earth-like Planets with the Keck Planet Finder

Guest Speaker:

Dr. Andrew Howard

Astronomy Professor

California Institute of Technology

The search for extrasolar planets has uncovered a dizzying array of planetary systems.  We have found new planet types — lava worlds and super-Earths – as well as planets orbiting more than one star.  These discoveries give us tantalizing clues about how our Solar System formed and point the way to detailed characterizations of Earth-like worlds.  Caltech Professor Howard will tour this diverse landscape highlighting the crucial role of the W.M. Keck Observatory.  He will also give a sneak peak of the discoveries to come with a new Keck Observatory instrument, the Keck Planet Finder.

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The staff and management of the W. M. Keck Observatory wish to offer our deepest gratitude to our Astronomy Talk Series sponsors, Rob and Terry Ryan.