Sheffield Astrophysics Student in Exoplanet Study
Students studying for an MPhys in Physics and Astrophysics have the option to spend year 4 of their degree working at the Newton Group of Telescopes (ING) in La Palma, Canary Islands http://www.ing.iac.es/
This is an international facility with a number of research grade telescopes situated nearly 8000 ft above sea level. This high altitude provides generally excellent observing conditions.
This year student Liam Hardy is based at the ING and is using the facilities to study exoplanets - planets orbiting nearby stars. By observing the slight decrease in light from these stars as a planet passes in front of the star it is possible to both detect and study the properties of these planets.
Studies of exoplanets provide information on the formation of planetary systems and in the future will allow direct signs of life to be observed.