Nikole Lewis
Assistant Professor, Deputy Director, Carl Sagan Institute

Professor Lewis’ work focuses on probing exoplanet atmospheres using a combination of observational and theoretical techniques.  Her current research includes work with both space- and ground-based campaigns to measure spectra and photometry of exoplanet atmospheres as well as the development of one-, two-, and three-dimensional models to guide and interpret those observations. She is also interested in laboratory work that provides constraints on key atmospheric processes such as cloud and haze formation and the development of instrumentation for facilities that aim to characterize exoplanets and their environs.

There will be a reception with food and refreshments at 4:30 pm, following the seminar in Snee 2146 for faculty, staff, and students to meet Dr. Lewis.

Title: Beyond Detection:  Constraining Properties of Exoplanet Atmospheres

The bulk of exoplanet science to date has focused on planet detection with large-scale ground-based surveys and space-based facilities such as the Kepler Space Telescope.   The past decade, however, has seen steady growth in observational and theoretical efforts aimed at understanding global chemical, radiative, and dynamical processes shaping exoplanet atmospheres.   Here I will describe my recent efforts to provide robust constraints on exoplanet atmospheric properties through a mixture of observational, theoretical, and laboratory efforts that leverage my expertise as a planetary scientist and astronomer. Such constraints are critical for refining our theories of planetary atmosphere formation and evolution.  I will highlight recent results from both small and large-scale exoplanet studies with the Hubble (600+ orbits) and Spitzer (1000+ hours) Space Telescopes that are bringing distant worlds into focus. Additionally, I will highlight recent results from laboratory experiments that seek to explore the potential diversity in atmospheric chemistry and haze formation in super-Earth and mini-Neptune atmospheres. These studies are establishing a solid foundation on which to continue our pursuit of answering the questions “How did we get here?” and “Are we alone?”