Café Scientifique Orlando / "Measuring Exoplanets from Space" May 6, 2009

Prior to 1993, we knew it would be a long time before anyone detected a planet orbiting another star. Then suddenly it happened, and it was bizarre! Not one, but several worlds doing the impossible: Orbiting pulsars—strange piles of neutrons leftover from powerful supernova explosions that no planet was thought capable of surviving. Shortly thereafter, a normal planet was found to orbit a normal star, in an orbit of just 4 days! The surprises do not end there.

Dr. Joseph Harrington, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCF, one of the first to measure exoplanets by their own light, will present a number of news-making discoveries by his team and others that have set the theory community abuzz.

Get a bite to eat and glass of wine or mug of beer, and join in the discussion.

Every month, scientific experts and lay community meet in a cafe or bar to explore the latest scientific ideas and discoveries, using plain language. Admission is free, and you need no reservation to join us—just come ready to listen and offer opinions.

Café Scientifique started in England in 1998, and aims to demystify scientific research, inform, and engage the public with science, outside a traditional academic setting.

Official Website: http://cafesciorl.com/