Planetary Lunch Seminar (PLS) - Emiline Bolmont (University of Geneva)

Title: Habitable worlds through time

Abstract: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has begun observing the TRAPPIST-1 system, offering a promising opportunity to study the atmospheres of rocky planets that may harbor life. However, this system differs significantly from our own due to the type of host star and the proximity of the planets to it, resulting in tidal evolution that could affect their atmospheres and potential habitability. To address these issues, my team and I are conducting various projects ranging from the study of tidal evolution in planetary systems to investigating their habitability. During my presentation, I will provide an overview of the diverse projects my team and I are working on. In addition, I will discuss the exciting new initiative at the University of Geneva: the Life in the Universe Center. This interdisciplinary center is dedicated to investigating the origins of life and its potential detection, and I will highlight several of its projects.

About this Series: The MIT Planetary Lunch Seminar [PLS] is a weekly seminar series organized within the EAPS department. Colloquia topics span the range of research interests of the department's planetary sciences research program. The seminars take place on Tuesdays from 12:15–1:30 pm, unless otherwise noted (term-time only). Speakers include members of the MIT community and visitors. Talks are intended to appeal to graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty with a background in planetary science. For more information and Zoom password contact: planetary-org@mit.edu.