Astro-Seminar: Dominic Samra - Minerology, Meteorology, and Morphology: A Microphysics Miscellany

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 11:00

Astrophysics seminar as part of the seminar series occurring every Wednesday at 14:00 during term time. Organised by Till Kaeufer, Vito Squicciarini, Nils de Vries. Contact: Astro-Seminar-Organiser@exeter.ac.uk

Event details

Abstract:

In the era of JWST, we are now able to probe our understanding of the microphysical processes that govern cloud formation in the atmospheres of giant exoplanets. In this talk, I will explore the interplay between microphysical modelling and observations, and how together they provide a more complete picture of cloud formation in exoplanet atmospheres. From investigating asymmetries between the eastern and western terminators of hot Jupiters with JWST, to using Earth aerosol databases to assess the impact of particle morphology on the silicate feature observed in WASP-17 b, and finally to explaining the depleted refractory abundances in ultra-hot Jupiters, I will show how microphysics can provide the crucial link between observations and the physical processes shaping exoplanet atmospheres.

Organiser

Astrophysics

Location

Fourth floor interaction area, Physics Building, Streatham Campus