Lines of research: Exoplanetary Systems & Solar System (SEYSS)

Exoplanetary Systems & Solar System (SEYSS)

The area of planetary and solar systems involves several research groups working on Exoplanets, Solar System and Cultural Astronomy. Our main objectives are:

  • The detection and characterization of giant and rocky planets around nearby stars using the most advanced instruments (CARMENES, ESPRESSO, HARPS Norte y Sur, SONG, LCO, MUSCAT2) and space missions (CoRoT, Kepler K2, CHEOPS, TESS and PLATO). The group is particularly interested in the study of terrestrial planets in the habitable zone of their host stars where water can be in liquid form.
  • The characterization of the atmospheres of planets to know their structure and composition, both by transits and direct imaging, using ground-based telescopes such as GTC and space missions such as CHEOPS.
  • Investigate the formation of exoplanet systems by studying the chemical composition of planet host stars, and the dynamical evolution of exoplanets at their early stages of formation.
  • Study the physical properties of different families of minor bodies of the Solar System (asteroids, comets, trans-neptunian objects, etc.) to understand the origin and evolution of Solar System with GTC and space missions such as OSIRIS-REx.
  • The study of ancient cosmologies through cultural astronomy and the defense of cultural heritage through the astronomy.
  • Publication
    Rotational modulation of the linear polarimetric variability of the cool dwarf TVLM 513-46546
    Aims: We aim to monitor the optical linear polarimetric signal of the magnetized, rapidly rotating M8.5 dwarf TVLM 513-46546. Methods: R- and I-band linear...
  • Publication
    Rotationally resolved spectroscopy of (20000) Varuna in the near-infrared
    Context. Models of the escape and retention of volatiles by minor icy objects exclude any presence of volatile ices on the surface of trans-Neptunian objects...
  • Publication
    Rotationally resolved spectroscopy of dwarf planet (136472) Makemake
    Context. Icy dwarf planets are key for studying the chemical and physical states of ices in the outer solar system. The study of secular and rotational...
  • News
    Rough, dense with boulders and low albedo surface of Bennu revealed through images of NASA OSIRIS-REx mission
    The first results on the analysis of the images of Bennu obtained using OCAMS, OVIRS, and OTES instruments on-board NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft have been...
  • Publication
    Rubidium and zirconium abundances in massive Galactic asymptotic giant branch stars revisited
    Context. Luminous Galactic OH/IR stars have been identified as massive (>4-5 M⊙) asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars experiencing hot bottom burning and Li...
  • Publication
    Rubidium, zirconium, and lithium production in intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch stars
    Context. A recent survey of a large sample of Galactic intermediate-mass (>3 M&sun;) asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars shows that they exhibit large...
  • Publication
    Sacred Architecture Orientation across the Mediterranean: A Comparative Statistical Analysis
    The idea of temporality and how this concept is introduced in the ritual domain could be investigated in past cultures through measurements of the orientation...
  • Publication
    Saharan mineral dust outbreaks observed over the North Atlantic island of La Palma in summertime between 1984 and 2012
    We estimate the frequency of Saharan mineral dust outbreak events observed over the North Atlantic island of La Palma based on in situ nightly atmospheric...
  • Publication
    Sample collection from asteroid (162173) Ryugu by Hayabusa2: Implications for surface evolution
    The near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu is thought to be a primitive carbonaceous object that contains hydrated minerals and organic molecules. We report sample...