Exploring new worlds. A review on extrasolar planet observations

DÍAZ, R. F.

San Juan

Congreso; 59ª Reunión Anual de la Asociación Argentina de Astronomía; 2016

The field of extrasolar planets is one of the most actives and rapidly evolving ones in astrophysics. In this article I present a review of some of the main observational aspects of extrasolar planet research, focusing on the radial velocity and transit techniques, and their results. The current limitation of the field is imposed by astrophysical phenomena occurring in the planet host star, and known collectively as stellar activity. I discuss the main characteristics of these phenomena and describe the methods and techniques being used to overcome their effects. Finally, I give a short overview on the way observations advance our understanding of planet formation and evolution, and allow us to characterise in detail individual planetary objects.