The search for exomoons and the characterization of exoplanets
Since planets were first discovered outside our own Solar System in
1992 (around a pulsar) and in 1995 (around a main sequence star),
extrasolar planet studies have become one of the most dynamic
research fields in astronomy. Now that more than 400 exoplanets
have been discovered, focus has moved from finding planets to
characterise these alien worlds. As well as detecting the
atmospheres of these exoplanets, part of the characterisation
process undoubtedly involves the search for extrasolar moons. This
book develops these topics presenting data from NASA Space Missions
such as Spitzer and Kepler. Moreover, it presents the current
situation of the search for extraterrestrial life, both within and
beyond the Solar System, detailing in particular the markers for
the presence of life, the so called biosignatures. The dissertation
should be especially useful to students and researchers in
astronomical subjects but it could be found of great interest even
by the curious of the night sky.
BSc, MSc(laude): Studied Physics and Astrophysics at University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Italy and University College London. Research student in Astronomy (School of Mathematical Sciences) at Queen Mary University of London. Currently working on the detectability of exomoons and on lightcurve data analysis, exoplanet observations and dynamics.
