Archiving Exoplanets with Jessie Christiansen Spaced Out
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- Astronomy
Over the past three decades, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered. Some astrophysicists, such as this episode’s guest, Dr. Jessie Christiansen, spend their days searching for and cataloging these planets.
Christiansen deconstructs what an exoplanet is, discusses the methods that scientists use to detect them, and considers why they can be challenging to find. She compares the goals of the Kepler and TESS missions, and explains what methods each used to locate new exoplanets. We also reflect on how the JWST differs from these survey missions, and discuss the objectives of NASA’s recent DART mission. Finally, Christiansen gives advice to listeners interested in pursuing a career in the sciences.
Over the past three decades, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered. Some astrophysicists, such as this episode’s guest, Dr. Jessie Christiansen, spend their days searching for and cataloging these planets.
Christiansen deconstructs what an exoplanet is, discusses the methods that scientists use to detect them, and considers why they can be challenging to find. She compares the goals of the Kepler and TESS missions, and explains what methods each used to locate new exoplanets. We also reflect on how the JWST differs from these survey missions, and discuss the objectives of NASA’s recent DART mission. Finally, Christiansen gives advice to listeners interested in pursuing a career in the sciences.