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
    The persistent activity of Jupiter-family comets at 3–7 AU
    We analyze the activity of 89 comets observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope.We conclude that at least 24% of Jupiter-family comets are active at 3–7 AU...
  • Publication
    The physical properties of two potential targets for space missions: (155140) 2005 UD and (612267) 2001 SG286
    The ground-based characterization of asteroids is a key step for planning their exploration. The near-Earth asteroid 155140 (2005 UD) is a potential flyby...
  • Publication
    The Pillars of the Earth and the Sky: Capital Cities, Astronomy and Landscape
    Some cities were built with the idea of establishing cosmic order. The sky used to be a very important component of the landscape that has been lost completely...
  • Publication
    The planetary system around HD 190622 (TOI-1054). Measuring the gas content of low-mass planets orbiting F-stars
    Context. Giant planets are known to dominate the long-term stability of planetary systems due to their prevailing gravitational interactions, but they are also...
  • Publication
    The PLATO 1.0 mission
    PLATO 2.0 has recently been selected for ESA's M3 launch opportunity (2022/24). Providing accurate key planet parameters (radius, mass, density and age) in...
  • Publication
    The polar orbit of the warm Neptune GJ 436b seen with VLT/ESPRESSO
    GJ 436b might be the prototype of warm Neptunes that have undergone late migration induced by an outer companion. Precise determination of the orbital...
  • Publication
    The Present and Future of Planetary Nebula Research. A White Paper by the IAU Planetary Nebula Working Group
    We present a summary of current research on planetary nebulae and their central stars, and related subjects such as atomic processes in ionized nebulae, AGB and...
  • News
    The Quadrantid meteor shower: start the year with a good wish
    This astronomical event will be broadcast live via the channel sky-live.tv in the early hours of January 4th, with the collaboration of the European project...
  • News
    The Quadrantids and the first wishes of the year
    This astronomical event will be broadcast live and via the sky-live.tv channel during the small hours of January 4th, with the collaboration of the European...