3rd ExoClock Annual Meeting - 21st & 22nd of October 2023
ExoClock is now counting more than 900 members from 50 countries around the world!
From the first days of the project we had envisioned a meeting to bring all the ExoClock
participants and team members together.
This year, we will hold the 3rd version of the ExoClock annual meeting on the
21st & 22nd of October, 2023. The meeting will be hybrid and will be hosted
by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in Greece.
We welcome all the ExoClock community, but also attendees that
are not ExoClock members, to join us in-person or remotely.
The meeting will be hybrid (both in-person and remote attendees),
and it is open to everyone, ExoClock participants or not.
Registration and abstract submission is now open here:
Abstract submission will close on the 30th of September.
Both oral and poster contributions will be considered.
The final agenda will be announced on the 5th of October.
Registration will close on the 30th of September for in-person attendees
and on the 20th of October for remote attendees.
The number of in-person attendees is limited to 130, while the number of remote attendees is limited to 300.
For in-person professional attendees, there is a registration fee of 100€, which will be requested after the
final agenda is announced. For anyone else, registration is free.
Objectives
Strengthen the connection between the ExoClock community and the Ariel consortium.
Present all the aspects of the project to the new participants.
Reflect on the four years of ExoClock.
Strengthen the two-way communication by hearing your experience so far.
Build collaborations between ExoClock and different partners.
Set realistic objectives for the working groups for the next year.
Agenda
Abstracts received until the 30th of September, will be considered for inclusion to the program.
The final agenda will be announced on the 5th of October here.
Organising Committees
SOC:
Anastasia Kokori (UCL)
Angelos Tsiaras (AUTH/UCL)
Billy Edwards (SRON)
Giovanna Tinetti (UCL)
LOC:
Ioannis Gkolias (AUTH)
Kleomenis Tsiganis (AUTH)
Nikolaos Stergioulas (AUTH)
Georgia Pantelidou
Alex Siakas (AUTH)
Sotiris Tsavdaridis (AUTH)
2nd ExoClock Annual Meeting - 30th of September & 1st of October 2022
During the 30th of September & 1st of October 2022, we held our
2nd ExoClock Annual Meeting at University College London (UCL) and virtually. 150 participants were registered and 23 presenters
gave us very interesting talks on the science of Ariel, on how the project works, on their own experience,
on the collaboration between their efforts and ExoClock, and on the future activities within ExoClock.
All the presentations were recorded and can be accessed from this page after logging in.
Agenda (all times in BST / UTC+1)
Friday 30th of September 2022
12.00 - 12.30: Welcome reception and introduction
12.30 - 13.10: The science of Ariel (+Q&A)
by Giovanna Tinetti
Principal Investigator of the Ariel mission consortium
13.10 - 13.40: The ExoClock Project (+Q&A)
by Anastasia Kokori
Coordinator of the ExoClock project
13.40 - 14.00: Selecting the targets of the Ariel mission (+Q&A)
by
Billy Edwards
14.00 - 14.30: Lunch Break
14.30 - 14.55: The path of TTV technique from
Kepler to the Ariel mission (+Q&A)
by
Luca Borsato
14.55 - 15.20: The formation history of giant planets seen through
multiple atmospheric elemental ratios (+Q&A)
by
Diego Turrini
15.20 - 15.45: How Ariel will constrain the origin of
giant exoplanets (+Q&A)
by
Ravit Helled
15.45 - 16.10: Observability of lava worlds (+Q&A)
by
Yamila Miguel
16.10 - 16.30: Break
16.30 - 18.0: The ExoClock Project: how it works (+Q&A) by
Angelos Tsiaras, Adrian Jones
& Georgia Pantelidou
18.00 - 18.15: Break
18.15 - 18.30: Seeking evidence of period variations in
Hot Jupiter orbits with citizen science data by
Simone Hagey
18.30 - 18.45: Utilizing a global network of telescopes to update
the ephemeris for the highly eccentric planet HD80606b
and to ensure the efficient scheduling of JWST by
Rob Zellem
18.45 - 19.00: Q&A
Saturday 1st of October 2022
09.00 - 09.15: The British Astronomical Association
and the ExoClock Project by
Roger Dymock
09.15 - 09.30: Integration of ExoClock in university teaching by
Rodney Buckland
09.30 - 09.45: 1000+ transit measurements for ExoClock: some lessons learned by
Yves Jongen
09.45 - 10.00: Collaboration between the ExoClock Project
and the Observatory of Baronnies Provençales by
Anael Wünsche
10.00 - 10.15: Q&A
10.15 - 10.30: Break
10.30 - 10.50: Synchronous observations Working Group (+Q&A) by
Alessandro Nastasi
10.50 - 11.10: CMOS Working Group (+Q&A) by
Roland Casali
11.10 - 11.30: Multicolour observations Working Group (+Q&A) by
Steve Futcher
11.30 - 12.45: The ExoClock project: data products and results (+Q&A) by
Angelos Tsiaras
12.45 - 13.30: Lunch Break
13.30 - 14.30: Discussion on plans for next year
Educational Activities
by
Anastasia Kokori, Laura Lewis & Billy Edwards
Remote observations
by
Anastasia Kokori & E. Guido
15.00 - 16.00: Workshop: Testing a CMOS detector by
Roland Casali
1st ExoClock Annual Meeting - 25th & 26th of September 2021
During the weekend of the 25th and the 26th of September 2021 we held our
1st ExoClock Annual Meeting virtually. 150 participants were registered and 26 presenters
gave us very interesting talks on the science of Ariel, on how the project works, on their own
work, on their contribution to the project and on the collaboration between their efforts and ExoClock.
All the presentations were recorded and can be accessed from this page after logging in.
Agenda (all times in BST / UTC+1)
Performing photometry with HOPS
by
A. Tsiaras
INSTRUCTIONS
For the HOPS workshop you are encouraged to download HOPS from this link:
https://www.exoworldsspies.com/en/software/
and one dataset from this link:
https://www.exoworldsspies.com/en/observers/
We will run together the data analysis of a transit
If you face problems we will discuss them during the workshop together.
Markers of prebiotic processes in spectra of exoplanets - window to the past?
by
M. Ferus
ABSTRACT
Is there life beyond Earth? An ideal research program would first ascertain how life on Earth began and then use this as a blueprint for its existence elsewhere. But the origin of life on Earth is still not understood, what then could be the way forward? Upcoming observations of terrestrial exoplanets provide a unique opportunity for answering this fundamental question through the study of other planetary systems. If we are able to see how physical and chemical environments similar to the early Earth evolve we open a window into our own Hadean eon, despite all information from this time being long lost from our planet’s geological record. A careful investigation of the chemistry expected on young exoplanets is therefore necessary, and the preparation of reference materials for spectroscopic observations is of paramount importance. In particular, the deduction of chemical markers identifying specific processes and features in exoplanetary environments, ideally “uniquely”. For instance, prebiotic feedstock molecules, in the form of aerosols and vapours, could be observed in transmission spectra in the near future whilst their surface deposits could be observed from reflectance spectra. The same detection methods also promise to identify particular intermediates of chemical and physical processes known to be prebiotically plausible. Is Ariel truly able to open a window to the past and answer questions concerning the origin of life on our planet and the universe?
From Solar System Planets to Exoplanets : a scientific roadmap for the Ariel mission
by
P. Drossart
ABSTRACT
The ESA/Ariel mission will be the first to address extensively the spectral characterization of a large (~1000) sample of exoplanets, in order to constrain the composition, structure and evolution of these objects. After the cataloguing of exoplanets by ground-based and space observatories, and the spectral study of specific objects with ground-based observatories and JWST, the access to a statistical analysis will provide another advance. This approach is comparable to the transition between a descriptive approach followed by a deeper physical description by the explorers in 17th and 18th century. Lessons from Solar System exploration will be an essential tool for Ariel studies to anchor the new exoplanetary measurements in the current knowledge of our planets.
The challenges of deriving planet interior structures
by
S. Werner
ABSTRACT
Mini-Neptunes, Super-Earths or Super-Mercurys may appear as planets of similar size but have very different composition. Atmospheres contribute little to the average density of rocky planets and instead reflect the chemical evolution of the planet, but atmospheres can be large for gaseous planets. Knowing their total mass or averaged density, respectively, we could be able distinguishing their bulk composition and interior structures. These planet categories fall in between the typical two groups of rocky and gas/icy-giant planets we know from the Solar System, and makes them interesting for planet-formation models and comparative planetology. Studies of the Solar-System planets suggest that if we know the stellar composition and evolution we could estimate the available material that formed each planet with distance from the star. As always the devil is in the details, therefore, we need exoplanet observables such as mass, radius and composition of their atmosphere with high accuracy.
The exploration of rocky planet’s atmospheres with Ariel
by
Y. Miguel
ABSTRACT
Rocky exoplanets are the most common outcome of planet formation, nevertheless they are very difficult to be observed and therefore their atmospheres are highly unknown. During this talk we will explore the diversity of rocky exo-worlds detected so far and what we expect for their atmospheres. We will particularly based the talk on lava planets and planets with a N-dominated atmosphere, talking about their compositions and prospects of observations with Ariel.
Stellar activity effects on Ariel exoplanet spectroscopy
by
I. Ribas
ABSTRACT
One of the main challenges faced by the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres is correcting the possible effects caused by stellar variability, in particular magnetic activity. An evolving and rotating inhomogeneous star surface produces chromatic changes to the depth of transits and occultations that can bias the derived planetary spectrum. Our ability to account for these effects is closely related to improving our understanding of stellar activity as a function of time and wavelength. In this talk I will discuss some work carried out within the Ariel consortium to assess the impact of activity, demonstrating that it should not prevent the mission from attaining its scientific goals. The Ariel built-in capabilities can be complemented with multi-colour photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy to allow for the correction of stellar variability on exoplanet transmission data even for host stars showing moderate degree of activity.
Building the Ariel catalogue of homogeneously characterised exoplanet-host stars through ground based observations
by
C. Danielski
ABSTRACT
The accurate and precise determination of the host star fundamental properties is essential to the Ariel mission for drawing a comprehensive picture of the underlying essence of these planetary systems. In this talk I will present a structured approach for the characterisation of Ariel stars that accounts for the concepts of homogeneity and coherence among a large set of stellar parameters.
Imaging for Fun, or Science?
by
A. Jones
ABSTRACT
Many amateurs have acquired the equipment and have developed the necessary skills to capture impressive long-exposure images of deep-sky objects. The same skills and equipment can be applied readily to worthwhile science projects such as the photometry and timing of exoplanet transits.
The idea of such high-precision photometry may seem daunting but is actually rather a small step for the imager, thanks to the excellent HOPS software and support that removes most of the complexity.
This presentation is a personal reflection on the journey from ‘hobby’ imaging to serious science, and some of the lessons learned along the way.
Photometry of exoplanets in transit for the Exoclock project from the Observatory of Baronnies Provençales
by
A. Wünsche
ABSTRACT
I am glad to present our private observatory in collaboration with Exoclock as part of the project. Its main activities will be presented : those involving the public or amateur astronomers and research. We have been conducting observations for Exoclock and I will present a small sample of the lightcurves we produced, from the northern hemisphere but also the southern hemisphere from 2021.
Exoplanet Observations at the OpenSciences Observatories
by
M. Salisbury
ABSTRACT
The Open University OpenSciences Observatories provides two robotic telescopes for educational, public and research use. The two independent optical telescopes of 0.6m and 0.4m aperture are located at an altitude of 2390m at the superb Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias Teide Observatory where they enjoy 240+ clear nights a year and 1" seeing. The observatories are used for a range of undergraduate teaching projects at all levels and for post graduate research including variable star & asteroid photometry, Gaia alert follow-up and transiting exoplanets. In this presentation I'll take a brief look at the observatories, review some of the most recent exoplanet research and look at some of the methods used to optimise exoplanet science observations with small aperture telescopes.
How shallow can we go? On the transit detection potential of small sized
telescopes
by
M. Mallonn
ABSTRACT
What transit depth is the detection limit of small sized telescopes in
transit photometry? To investigate this quest on real data, we observed
known exoplanets of transit depths ranging from 0.3 to 3.0
parts-per-thousands, and tested whether the transit signature can be
distinguished statistically from a pure photometric trend in the light
curve. We employed a 1m-sized telescopes, and extrapolated our result to
smaller apertures by simplifying assumptions. We found that small sized
telescopes can clearly detect the transits of sub-Neptune exoplanets.
Amateur experience at the europlanet telescope network
by
M. Correa & F. Libotte
ABSTRACT
Today Europlanet Telescope Network gives several options for amateur observers to use time in professional observatories.
We will explain our participation in the Europlanet workshop at the Calar Alto Observatory and our application for time at the Teide Observatory with the IAC80 telescope for two exoplanets transit observation.
Florence Libotte is member of the Board of the Sabadell Astronomical Society, member of GEOS group (European Group for Stellar Observation), and observer of variable stars and exoplanets.
Mercè Correa is member of the Sabadell Astronomical Society, member of GEOS group (European Group for Stellar Observation), member of the Advisory Commission of FAAE (Federation of Spanish astronomical associations) and observer of variable stars and exoplanets.
Exoplanet Ephemeris Refinement via the ORBYTS Programme
by
B. Edwards
ABSTRACT
ORBYTS is programme organised by space researchers and teachers that creates partnerships between scientists and schools. The aim is to provide school students with relatable science role models while empowering them to conduct their own original space research projects. This structure of regular sessions, inspirational role models and active ownership of scientific research is proving to be transformative; dispelling harmful stereotypes and profoundly shifting perceptions of science and scientists. It is proving to be particularly impactful for groups historically excluded from science and, since 2018, it has enabled 150+ UK state school students to co-author publications across tens of planetary science papers.
While I will highlight the vast array of science being conducted by these students, the focus of this talk will be upon the exoplanet ephemeris refinement project that has been run over the last three years. I will show the results we have achieved and talk about how much easier this project is to run now that ExoClock exists!
My journey of participating in the ExoClock logo campaign
by
L. Changeat
ABSTRACT
Participating in the ExoClock project in a different way is possible. I will explain how I joined the project by participating to the logo campaign, how I created the logo, discovered the project and enjoy doing science with the team.
The British Astronomical Association and the ExoClock project – a success story
by
R. Dymock
ABSTRACT
The presentation will include:
- Intro to the BAA
- Formation of the Exoplanet Division
- How we got started – Anastasia Kokoris’s presentation at the Asteroid and Remote Planets section meeting in 2019
- Range of equipment used by BAA members to make observations
- Contributions to first paper by BAA members
- Examples of transit light curves#
- Brief description of the Exoplanet Division’s ‘Microlensing Search for Exoplanets’ project and request to observers to make observations before/after their transit work
Following up transiting exoplanets with the Telescope Live robotic network
by
M. Rocchetto
ABSTRACT
Telescope Live is a commercial network of 10 robotic telescopes distributed across the globe, covering both the Northern and Southern hemisphere. Through various observing modalities and a web interface, Telescope Live offers affordable access to the darkest skies in the world to everyone. In this talk, I will describe how Telescope Live is contributing to the Exoclock project, and how robotic networks can close the gap in the follow-up of the hardest-to-observe exoplanets.
Exoplanet Watch: Inviting Citizen Scientists to Observe Transiting Exoplanets
by
R. T. Zellem
ABSTRACT
NASA's Universe of Learning's Exoplanet Watch is a citizen science project, currently geared toward amateur astronomers and astronomy students at colleges and universities, to observe transiting exoplanets — planets outside our solar system — with small telescopes. A transiting exoplanet is a planet outside of our solar system that periodically passes in front of its host star, causing the star to appear to slightly dim (typically by ~1%). Observing exoplanet transits is important, as they provide direct measurement of a planet's radius and composition. Ground-based observations, particularly with small telescopes (<1 meter) constrain the exoplanet’s orbital period (how quickly a planet orbits around its host star) which in turn provides better mass measurements. Exoplanet Watch will help increase the efficiency of exoplanet studies by large telescopes to characterize exoplanet atmospheres by reducing uncertainty about the predicted timing of transit events.
The Twinkle Space Mission
by
B. Edwards
ABSTRACT
The Twinkle Space Mission is a space-based observatory that has been conceived to measure the composition of exoplanets, stars and Solar System objects. Twinkle’s collaborative multi-year global survey programmes will deliver visible and infrared spectroscopy of thousands of objects within and beyond our solar system, enabling participating scientists to produce world-leading research in planetary and exoplanetary science.
While Twinkle will spectroscopically study many exoplanet atmospheres, the facility will also be utilised for several other extrasolar science cases. These include those linked to precisely determining the transit time of the planet, such as searching for orbital decay or precession, measuring the masses of planets via transit timing variations or even searching for additional bodies (planets, moons) in the system.
I will present an overview of the Twinkle mission as well as some of the ways that the ExoClock community could contribute to these efforts.
Synchronous observations WG: The ExoClock synchronous observations campaign of most difficult and interesting targets
by
A. Nastasi
ABSTRACT
Multicolour observations WG
by
S. Futcher
ABSTRACT
The rationale for this working group is to explore whether observing exoplanets through different coloured filters using small ground based telescopes provides any additional information about the exoplanet or its atmosphere.
This short talk looks at some of the published papers on the subject, the results of the few observations carried out to date, and expectations for future activities this coming winter.
CMOS WG
by
R. Casali
ABSTRACT
The use of modern high-performance CMOS-sensor-based cameras for Astronomy offers a considerable increase of potential performance at lower cost compared with CCD cameras. However, the operating parameters for CMOS sensors, whilst offering considerably greater flexibility, also increases complexity. In this presentation, we will review the original CMOS testing document, as published on the Exoclock website, with a view to ensuring that Exoclock participants are up-to-speed with this approach. We will also review the results of recent tests conducted on some of the cameras loaned to Exoclock by QHY, for which we are extremely grateful. We suggest that Exoclock participants and others wishing to take advantage of these excellent CMOS detectors, fully familiarise themselves with the testing document since there will be limited time in the presentation to discuss everything in detail.
The cameras tested to date are the FLI Kepler 400, QHY 4040, 2020, 600 and 268. They have all shown excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, low noise and an absence of "glow". However, each camera requires some degree of tuning to achieve optimal performance, and to avoid running inadvertently into non-linear performance.”
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