ProjectPULSATION
Understanding and discovering planets using asteroseismology
Detecting and characterizing exoplanets around evolved stars with NASA's TESS mission (PULSATION)
“PULSATION has shown that by listening to the natural oscillations of stars, we can measure their properties with unprecedented precision and, in doing so, transform how we understand the planets that orbit them.” - Dr. Tiago Campante
Project impact
Why was a planet not engulfed as its star entered its red giant phase? As part of the PULSATION project, Dr. Tiago Campante answered this question using the emerging field of asteroseismology, which studies how sound waves move through stars. By listening to the natural oscillations of stars, asteroseismologists are able to work out their mass, radius and age with unprecedented precision, transforming how they understand the planets that orbit them. Using data from NASA’s planet-hunting TESS mission, Tiago surveyed around 100 000 late-stage stars, combining asteroseismology with transit photometry – the dimming of light as a planet passes in front of its star. This enabled him to propose that tidal interactions between the planet and its sun may have led to its survival, and to contribute to the discovery of two new Saturn-like planets. The project also conducted an outreach programme in partnership with Ciência Viva, a network of science centres across Portugal, engaging citizens and demonstrating how European-funded space research can inspire communities.
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Coordinator
Portugal
Centro de Investigacao em Astronomia e Astrofisica da Universidade do Porto Associacao
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Participating and partners countries