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"Rocky Planet Formation with Primordial H2-Rich Atmospheres: Implications for Super-Earths, Sub-Neptunes and Earth" with Hilke Schlichting Professor in Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences and Dean for Research at UCLA.
"Rocky Planet Formation with Primordial H2-Rich Atmospheres: Implications for Super-Earths, Sub-Neptunes and Earth" with Hilke Schlichting Professor in Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences and Dean for Research at UCLA.
Abstract: Super-Earths and sub-Neptunes are the most abundant exoplanets discovered to date. Recent models of atmospheric evolution and erosion by core-powered mass loss and/or photo-evaporation suggest that these two populations of exoplanets might have been born as one. In my talk, I will explore the question as to how primary, hydrogen-rich atmospheres influence the physical evolution and chemical composition of super-Earths and sub-Neptune exoplanets and as to whether Earth may also have formed from planetary embryos with H2-rich primary atmospheres. Since for most exoplanets, we will only be able to probe atmospheric chemical compositions, understanding their core–mantle–atmosphere connections is likely crucial for correctly inferring the physical properties of their underlaying mantles and cores, which make up the bulk of these planets by mass.
The event will take place in person and on Zoom.
Contact: grande@eps.harvard.edu