Dr. Stephen Kane
University of Florida

University of Florida Astronomy Colloquium - Sep 7th, 2005

Cool Neptunes & Hot Jupiters: Planet Detection using Microlensing and Transits

The microlensing and transit methods of extra-solar planet detection are related in that they both rely on photometric deviations caused by a foreground object passing in front of a background source. The two techniques are also complimentary in terms of the information that they yield regarding planetary systems and the range of system parameters to which they are most sensitive. In this talk, I will provide a description of the two techniques and the recent results from the fields, including an outline of my research activities within the PLANET collaboration and the SuperWASP consortium. This will be concluded by a summary of my current work and future plans at the University of Florida.