Abstract: During the last couple of years Radial Velocity and Transit surveys gathered a wealth of information about the structure of extrasolar systems. We are now putting all the information together and starting to understand the implications of these results on our understanding of the formation of planets. In this talk we will review some of the most recent results, and use the questions that are left open for dynamicists as the starting point for discussion.
Abstract: In this talk we will overview the major research topics of the EXOEarths team in CAUP. We will then focus our attention on a few recent results related to the detection and study of extra-solar planets. Some of the next steps in this research will also be highlighted, with a short presentation about some future facilities (ESO and ESA).
Abstract: The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) will be the largest Global science project of the next two decades. It will encompass a sensor network dedicated to radioastronomy, covering two continents. SKA is a large-scale international science facility involving 67 organizations in 20 countries, as well as world industrial partners and is the only global ESFRI project.
Abstract: We investigate the spin behavior of close-in rocky planets and the implications for their orbital evolution. The temporary captures in spin-orbit resonances are analyzed assuming that the planet rotation evolves under simultaneous actions of the torque due to the equatorial deformation and the tidal torque, both raised by the central star. We solve the spin-orbit (dissipative) problem through the simulation of the exact and averaged equations of motions. The results indicate that, whenever the planet rotation is trapped in a resonant motion, the orbital decay and the eccentricity damping are faster than the ones in which the rotation follows the so-called pseudo-synchronization. Applications are considered for the recently discovered hot super-Earths Kepler-10 b, GJ 3634 b and 55 Cnc e. The simulated dynamical history of these systems indicates the possibility of capture in several spin-orbit resonances; particularly, GJ 3634 b and 55 Cnc e can currently evolve under a non-synchronous resonant motion for suitable values of the parameters.
Abstract: The Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld (EiBI) theory of gravity has many attractive features. In particular, it may lead to a non- singular description of the Universe and it may accommodate compact stars made of pressureless dust.
The first meeting of the Numerical Relativity and High Energy Physics Network took place at Aveiro University, from 9-13 July 2012. This meeting brought together researchers from Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the USA, to discuss the state of the art in relativistic gravity and its application in various contexts, ranging from astrophysics to particle physics, using both anaytical and numerical techniques.
Abstract: SKA is a great project but it will be very expensive and we will have to wait a long time for it to come to fruition. In the meantime, small, inexpensive, yet exciting projects should be done lest the subject goes stale while we wait. I will talk about two possible such projects close to my heart.
An extra curricular course on "General Relativity, Cosmology and Black Holes" will run throughout the second semester 2011/12. Only basic knowledge of special relativity and Newtonian gravity will be assumed. By default, sessions will take place every friday at 14H00 in the GAP room. Some lecture notes will be handed out and exercises will be set in every session and solved in the following one.
The European Commission Research Executive Agency approved an International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Marie Curie action on "Numerical Relativity and High Energy Physics" (NRHEP), within the FP7 People Programme.
Our group coordinated the "Numerical Relativity and High Energy Physics" IRSES network (2012-2015). Here is a list of the global network meetings organized:
