Cornell researchers are at the forefront of exoplanet science, using advanced observations and theoretical models to study the atmospheres, climates, composition and detection of planets orbiting distant stars.
Our work combines space- and ground-based observations with sophisticated multi-dimensional atmospheric modeling to understand how exoplanets form, evolve, and potentially support life. Cornell researchers play major roles in observations with the James Webb Space Telescope, which is transforming our ability to characterize alien worlds by detecting molecules such as water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, clouds, and hazes in exoplanet atmospheres. Current projects investigate the chemistry and weather of hot giant planets, warm Neptunes, the nature of rocky super-Earths, and the atmospheres of potentially habitable terrestrial worlds, while also developing new instruments and laboratory experiments to interpret these observations and guide the future of exoplanet exploration.
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Associate Professor
