Exoplanets: Alien Worlds (Camp)

Since the discovery of the first exoplanet PSR B1257+12, the search for planets outside of our Solar System has yielded thousands of incredible alien worlds. While it’s still unknown if any are suitable for life, detection methods and chemical analyses have allowed astronomers to better understand extrasolar systems.

In this 4 week class, students will learn about current detection methods, the different types of exoplanets, and how scientists determine the atmospheric chemical composition. We will also talk about specific exoplanets' characteristics such as what type of exoplanet it is, how it was discovered, and if it has the right conditions for humans to live on it. Learners will also have an opportunity to be part of citizen science planet hunters.

Week 1: History of Detection and Current Detection Methods
In this class, we’ll discuss how the first exoplanets were discovered and how this led to an entire branch of astronomy dedicated to searching for these objects. We’ll also talk about the five detection methods astronomers use in their hunt for exoplanets: Radial velocity, transit, direct imaging, gravitational microlensing, and astrometry.

Week 2: Types of Exoplanets , How They Are Named, and Atmospheric Composition
In this class, we’ll talk about how astronomers classify exoplanets and name them. We’ll also investigate the methods they use in determining the chemical composition of an exoplanet’s atmosphere.

Week 3: Exoplanet Examples
As science advances, the techniques astronomers use to determine special characteristics of exoplanets has, as well. In this class, we’ll look at examples of specific exoplanets and talk about their unique (and sometimes wacky) features.

Week 4: Citizen Science and Exoplanet Talk
Astronomers are continually using telescopes to obtain data of the Universe. As you can imagine, that is A LOT of information! But, it still takes the human eye to sort through and confirm possible exoplanet targets. This is where YOU come in! In this class, we will look at a NASA planet hunter citizen science project and work together to identify possible alien worlds. **PLEASE NOTE: Due to this being real time data, there may be an instance where where no data is available for us to process in class. If that is the case, we will still visit the citizen science websites and walk through the steps needed to process the data. Students can then apply this to when a new data release is made.**
Students will also have an opportunity to share about their favorite exoplanet.