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All the Light That We Can See: Exoplanet Technologies

November 5, 2026
20:00 EST

Room B250, Leslie Dan Pharmacy Building, 144 College St
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser/Nick Risinger

Talk Abstract

Photons from distant celestial objects encode much more than is visible to the eye. Exoplanets, planets beyond our Solar System, pose a unique technical challenge to experimental astronomers for their characterization. In this talk, I will present some of the creative solutions derived by astronomers for observing these new worlds and their environments. Astronomers have learned to squeeze every last bit of information from photons emitted by planetary systems, and I hope to share my fascination for the current astronomical instruments that sit at the technological forefront of exoplanet science.

About the Speaker

About the Speaker

Speaker

Emily Hu

Emily is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto. She builds novel space instruments in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths for characterizing exoplanets. Her work focusses on bringing cutting-edge technologies to astronomy, and quickly maturing these instruments to be flown and tested in space. Outside of astronomy, Emily enjoys exploring her new home Toronto, learning new dance forms, and staying active outdoors.