Exoplanets

Detection, Formation, Properties, Habitability

John W. Mason (Editor)

The first exoplanet was discovered only in 1995, but over 200 exoplanetary systems are now known and the field continues to advance rapidly. This edited volume, with chapters authored by some of the most prominent scientists in the field, is an invaluable introduction and reference on all key aspects of exoplanet research.

The topics covered in Exoplanets include both theoretical work on the formation and orbital evolution of these systems, and current observational studies using a wide variety of detection and analytical techniques. In addition, this book

• provides a state-of-the-art summary of developments in exoplanet research
• examines the formation, dynamics and evolution of exoplanets
• describes the variety of techniques used to detect exoplanets and discover their individual properties
• explores the possibility that exoplanets and their moons will provide habitats for some form of life

Exoplanet research is a fast moving and exciting field, and this book is a welcome addition to the literature at present found only in journals. Exoplanets is suitable not only for professional astronomers, planetary scientists, and astrobiologists, but also for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in astrophysics, astrobiology and planetary science.

Contributing authors:

Rory Barnes, David P. Bennett , Jian Ge, Nader Haghighipour, Patrick Irwin, Hugh Jones, Victoria Meadows, Stanimir Metchev, I. Neill Reid, George Rieke, Caleb Scharf, Steinn Sigurdsson

Table of Contents

• Editor’s Preface
• List of contributors
  1. Detection Methods and Properties of Known Exoplanets
  2. Doppler Exoplanet Surveys: From Single Ob ject to Multiple Objects
  3. Detection of Extrasolar Planets by Gravitational Microlensing
  4. Formation and Evolution of Terrestrial Planets in Protoplanetary and Debris Disks
  5. The Brown Dwarf – Exoplanet Connection
  6. Close-Orbiting Exoplanets: Formation, Migration Mechanisms and Properties
  7. Dynamics of Multiple Planet Systems
  8. Searching for Exoplanets in the Stellar Graveyard
  9. Formation, Dynamical Evolution, and Habitability of Planets in Binary Star Systems
  10. Planetary Environmental Signatures for Habitability and Life
  11. Moons of Exoplanets: Habitats for Life?
• Index

Extent: 336 pages
Binding: Hardback
Publication Date: February 2008
ISBN: 978-3-540-74007-0

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