Publisher Description

The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented through the study of transiting systems in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates. From determining the atmospheric properties of transiting exoplanets to measuring the planetary orbit's alignment with the stellar spin, students will discover what these measurements imply for reinvigorated theories of planet formation and evolution. Worked examples and exercises with full solutions help students to assess their understanding of concepts and results. Key points and equations are highlighted to make them easily identifiable, and there are full colour illustrations throughout. Bridging the gap between introductory, non-mathematical texts and more advanced textbooks, this book is ideal for students with some background in mathematics, physics and astronomy. Accompanying resources to this textbook are available at:

Notes

The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented in this unique textbook for undergraduates.

Author Biography

Carole A. Haswell is a Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Open University. She worked on accretion flows around black hole binary star systems until becoming fascinated by the field of exoplanets. Her research work now focuses on Hubble Space Telescope observations of transiting exoplanets.

Table of Contents

1. Our solar system from afar; 2. Exoplanet discoveries by the transit method; 3. What the transit lightcurve tells us; 4. The transiting exoplanet population; 5. Transmission spectroscopy and Rossiter-McLaughlin effect; 6. Secondary eclipses and phase variations; 7. Transit timing variations and orbital dynamics; 8. Brave new worlds: the future; Index.

Review

'This advanced-level undergraduate text distils the essential physics and methodology of planet discovery and characterisation into a single volume. The book's narrative is cleverly constructed, outlining the progression of exoplanetary discoveries in more-or-less chronological sequence, interspersed with detailed step-by-step presentations of the underlying principles that underpinned each stage in the discovery process. The book treats all these facets of exoplanetary science at a comprehensive level making it an essential reference work for graduate students and more advanced researchers.' Professor Andrew Collier Cameron, University of St Andrews
'I am very impressed by this book's content and presentation. For the first time, all the necessary equations and groundwork in the field are clearly explained within one volume. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any student or scientist hoping to make a contribution to the exciting field of transiting planets. This book is a must-read for any graduate student starting out in the field, and it will earn its place on the shelves of the experienced specialist as an invaluable reference text.' Dr Frédéric Pont, University of Exeter
'It will occupy prime real estate on the shelves of undergraduate and amateur astronomers working with or acquiring transit data with small and medium-sized telescopes.' Meteoritics & Planetary Sciences

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The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates.

Review Quote

"Transiting exoplanets does an outstanding job of preparing observers for their first foray into exoplanets, whether they be serious amateurs or students. It would also make a nice supplementary text in a course on exoplanets, as it becomes increasingly important that all astronomy and planetary science students learn just what it takes to discover, confirm, and study the planets of stars other than the sun." -Joseph Harrington, Meteoritics and Planetary Science

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The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates.

Description for Bookstore

The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented through the study of transiting systems in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates. Key points and equations are highlighted, and worked examples and exercises with full solutions help students to assess their understanding of concepts and results.

Description for Library

The methods used in the detection and characterisation of exoplanets are presented through the study of transiting systems in this unique textbook for advanced undergraduates. Key points and equations are highlighted, and worked examples and exercises with full solutions help students to assess their understanding of concepts and results.

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