| Speaker | Melvyn Davies |
| Title | The dynamical evolution of exoplanet systems |
| Abstract |
Today we know of almost 700 planets around other stars. Many of these are massive planets, found on tight, and yet eccentric, orbits around their host stars. I will discuss the dynamical evolution of these systems. All stars are formed in some sort of cluster or association. I will discuss how planetary systems are vulnerable to perturbations from passing stars and stellar companions within stellar clusters. These perturbations may lead to a chain of events that result in the ejection of some planets, leaving those remaining on tighter, and eccentric, orbits. In addition, we may also be able to explain a sub-population of hot jupiters, and planets seen recently via direct imaging to be on very wide orbits. |