UNC Physics Colloquium

Siyi Xu, Gemini Observatory, Northern Operations Center, Hawaii

“Planetesimals and Planets around White Dwarfs”

Recent studies from both observations and theories show that planetary systems can be present and active around white dwarfs. In the first part of the talk, I will present an optical transmission spectrum with Gemini/GMOS covering ten transits of WD 1856+534 b — a white dwarf with a transiting planet candidate. In the second part, I will discuss our on-going efforts to characterize planetesimals around bright white dwarfs identified in Gaia. I will also talk about new opportunities to characterize planetary systems around white dwarfs from current and future facilities.

This lecture will be held remotely via Zoom: https://unc.zoom.us/j/97939441741?pwd=NEJxN1RsdWZ3UnpCMk45UVRiQmtyUT09, p/w: 477190