‘Space, Planets and Solar Systems’ – Café Science on 9th November

Published On Thu 5 Nov 2015 by Grant Hill

Dr Soko Matsumura will explain how the planets in our solar system have shifted position since its formation and what the implications of this changing picture are at the next Café Science event in Dundee.

Dr Matsumura, a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Dundee, will deliver the talk, entitled ‘Space, Planets and Solar Systems’ at Avery & Co, South Tay Street, on Monday, 9th November.

She said, “Until recently, the configuration of the planets in our Solar System was considered to be similar to that during its formation. This ‘quiet’ picture of the Solar System formation started changing 20 years ago, when the first extrasolar planet was discovered around a Sun-like star. 

“Our current thinking suggests that giant planets such as Jupiter and Saturn may have migrated toward the Sun first and then moved out to their current locations.  In my talk I will describe a modern view of the formation of the Solar System and explain what this means for the origins of life on Earth.”

Dr Matsumura’s research primarily focuses on formation, evolution, and dynamics of planetary systems. She uses numerical and analytical techniques to study problems that are often motivated by recent observations. In particular, she is interested in investigating the origins of orbital architecture of planetary systems, and the imprints of past orbital evolution of planetary systems on the observed systems.

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted more than 6000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science at the Universities of Dundee, St Andrews and Abertay, and the James Hutton Institute.

‘Space, Planets and Solar Systems’ takes place at Avery & Co, South Tay Street, from 7pm on Monday, 9th November. The event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.

More information is available at www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.      

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 384768
Mobile: 07854 953277
Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk