2022 course pages
Title: Physics I
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Einführung in die Denk- und Arbeitsweise in der Physik unter Zuhilfenahme von Demonstrationsexperimenten: Mechanik von Massenpunkten und starren Körpern, Schwingungen und Wellen.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid / Adrian Glauser
Abstract: An overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course catalogue
Title: Lecture Series: Space Research and Exploration
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The field of space research and exploration is intrinsically interdisciplinary. Cutting edge space activities are dominated by an interplay between the scientifically desirable and the technologically possible. The ‘Lecture Series: Space Research and Exploration’ aims to shed light on key questions engaged by leading scientists and engineers today. It consists of weekly lecture, given by different speakers with vast experience in their respective field (e.g., Human Spaceflight, System Engineering of Spacecraft, Space Life Sciences, Space-based astrophysics). Subsequent to the talk, the student will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding by asking questions to the presenter in a moderated Q&A.
Confirmed speakers include:
27.09. Anna Kubik (ETH Zürich): Orbital Mechanics
04.10. Andrea Fortier (University of Bern): CHEOPS
11.10. Maximilian Kirchhof (Beyond Gravity) (Date tbc): Systems Engineering
18.10. Thomas Reiter (ESA Astronaut): Human spaceflight, international space station, MIR
25.10. Adrian Glauser (ETH Zürich): James Webb Space Telescope
01.11. Deborah Müller (Space Exchange Switzerland) (date tbc): tbd
08.11. Jennifer Wadsworth (UZH/ ETH AI Center): Astrobiology
15.11. Hendrik Kolvenbach (ETH Zürich) und Florian Kehl (UZH, HSLU, NASA-JPL): Autonomous exploration, Astrobiology, Glimpse
22.11. Louise Harra (ETH Zürich, PMOD/WRC): Solar physics, Solar Orbiter mission
29.11. Claude Nicollier (EPFL, ESA Astronaut): Human spaceflight
06.12. Andreas Schrader (Oerlikon AM): Additive manufacturing
13.12. Claudia Röösli (UZH): Earth observation
20.12. Didier Queloz (ETH Zürich, Cambridge): Exoplanets, CHEOPS
Course catalogue
Prabal Saxena: Photobombing Earth 2.0: Diffraction Limit Related Contamination and Uncertainty in Habitable Planet Spectra
Thursday, October 27, 16:00 via zoom
Abstract: Observing habitable exoplanets that may resemble Earth is a key priority in astronomy that is dependent on not only detecting such worlds, but also ascertaining that apparent signatures of habitability are not due to other sources. Space telescopes designed to observe such worlds have a diffraction-limited resolution that effectively spreads light from a source in a region around the source point - for example, the diffraction limit of a 6 meter space telescope results in a point spread function of an Earth-like planet that may contain additional unanticipated bodies for systems at distances relevant to proposed searches. I'll discuss how these unexpected additional objects, such as other planets and moons, can influence obtained spectra for a putative habitable planet by producing spurious features and adding additional uncertainty in the spectra. I'll describe a model of the Earth observed by a 6 meter space telescope as though it was an exoplanet that shows that the light from the Earth would be blended with the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars in various combinations and at different times for numerous combinations of distance to the system and wavelength. Given the importance of extricating the true spectra of a potentially habitable planet in order to search for biosignatures, there will be a need to account for this effect during the development of relevant telescopes and I'll suggest some potential means of accounting for this photobombing effect.
Kevin Wagner: Mid-Infrared Imaging of Habitable-Zone Exoplanets with the VLT+LBTI
Thursday, November 10, 17:00 via Zoom
Abstract: Ground-based mid-infrared imaging is close to enabling the direct detection of nearby habitable-zone exoplanets. The ESO/Breakthrough-sponsored New Earths in the Alpha Centauri Region (NEAR) program on the VLT recently completed the first ultra-deep (~100 hr) mid-IR exoplanet imaging campaign and demonstrated the first sensitivity to habitable-zone sub-Neptune-sized planets, leaving just a factor of four in sensitivity to be overcome in order to image potentially rocky planets. This talk will describe our ongoing efforts to upgrade the mid-IR capabilities of the LBT based on the lessons from NEAR, which will enable partially bridging this sensitivity gap. In this context, we will discuss the prospects for coordinated deep explorations for low-mass habitable-zone planets around targets visible from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres (e.g., Sirius, Epslion Eridani, etc.). Finally, we will conclude with an introduction of our key observational program, LESSONS: The LBT Exploratory Survey for Super-Earths/Sub-Neptunes Orbiting Nearby Stars, and a roadmap toward imaging habitable-zone Earth-sized planets with the ELTs.
Chen Xie: Reference-star differential imaging on SPHERE
Tuesday, November 29, 15:00 via Zoom
Abstract: As the primary technique in high contrast imaging, angular differential imaging (ADI) is limited by the self-subtraction effect, which lowers its sensitivity to exoplanets at short angular separations (e.g., <0.3“) and prevents a good recovery of disk emission in total intensity. To avoid the self-subtraction effect, we can use reference-star differential imaging (RDI) as an alternative technique. We present the performance of RDI on SPHERE. We made use of all the archival data obtained by SPHERE in the past 5 years to build the reference library. In the point-source detection, RDI can outperform ADI at small angular separations (<0.4”) with a peak gain of 0.85 mag over ADI at 0.15”. In disk imaging, RDI can reveal more disk features than ADI and provide a more robust recovery of disk morphology. In combination with advanced PSF reconstruction techniques (such as non-negative matrix factorization), our RDI technique obtains even better disk images than the usual RDI-PCA reductions by mitigating the over-fitting problem. The reference library we built can be easily implemented into legacy or future SPHERE surveys to perform RDI without additional observations of reference stars, achieving better performance than that of ADI.
Sukrit Ranjan: Photochemical Insights Towards Life as a Planetary Phenomenon
Thursday, December 8, 17:00 via Zoom
Abstract: Advances in origins-of-life chemistry are transforming our understanding of how life emerged on Earth, while upcoming space missions and telescopes offer the prospect of detecting life on other worlds. Fundamental to both quests is interaction of UV radiation with molecular systems (photochemistry). Photochemistry controls the chemical context for the origin of life on Earth and influences the molecular signposts with which we hope to detect life elsewhere. I will share photochemical work which refines our understanding of early Earth environments, and demonstrate how such understanding enables assessment and improvement of theories of origins-of-life chemistry. I will discuss photochemical efforts to elucidate potential atmospheric biosignatures of life on other worlds, and show how the search for life on other worlds may enable tests of theories of the origin of life. In sum, I will review theoretical, experimental, and observational work towards understanding the origin and distribution of life in the universe through the lens of photochemistry.
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The course does not take place this semester.
Course catalogue
Title: The Sun, Stars and Planets - Properties, Processes and Interactions
Lecturers: Louise Harra, Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The physics of solar flares, coronal mass ejections and the solar wind will be described. A discussion of the similarities and differences to stellar flares and coronal mass ejections will follow. An introduction to the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets, the impact of stellar phenomena on exoplanets and in particular on their potential habitability will be given.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid, Louise Harra, Veerle Sterken and Adrian Glauser
Abstract: Astronomical techniques and observing strategies are presented with a particular emphasis on currently available professional telescopes of the European Southern Observatory.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: An overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course catalogue
Title: Lecture Series: Space Research and Exploration
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The field of space research and exploration is intrinsically interdisciplinary. Cutting edge space activities are dominated by an interplay between the scientifically desirable and the technologically possible. The ‘Lecture Series: Space Research and Exploration’ aims to shed light on key questions engaged by leading scientists and engineers today. It consists of weekly lecture, given by different speakers with vast experience in their respective field (e.g., Human Spaceflight, System Engineering of Spacecraft, Space Life Sciences, Space-based astrophysics). Subsequent to the talk, the student will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding by asking questions to the presenter in a moderated Q&A.
Confirmed speakers include:
21.09.: Prof. Sascha P. Quanz (ETH Zürich); Professor for Exoplanets
28.09.: Dr. Anna Kubik (ETH Zürich); Senior Scientist for Orbital Dynamics
12.10.: Dr. Andrea Fortier (University of Bern); CHEOPS Instrument Scientist
19.10.: Prof. Volker Gass (EPFL Lausanne); Director of Space Innovation
26.10.: Dr. Hendrik Kolvenbach (ETH Zürich); Postdoctoral Researcher for Space Robotics
02.11.: Deborah Müller (RUAG Space); Director of Innovation & Business Development
16.11.: Prof. Claude Nicollier (EPFL Lausanne); Professor Emeritus, Former Astronaut
23.11.: Dr. Adrian Glauser (ETH Zürich); Senior Scientist for Astronomical Instrumentation
30.11.: Prof. Louise Harra (ETH Zürich); Professor of Solar Astrophysics
21.12.: Prof. Claude Nicollier (EPFL Lausanne); Professor Emeritus, Former Astronaut
17.12.: Prof. Didier Queloz (ETH Zürich / Cambridge); Professor for Exoplanets
Title: Earth - A (Unique?) Habitable Planet
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: While thousands of extrasolar planets are known to orbit stars other than the Sun, Earth is - until now - the only planet known to be habitable. This lecture takes an interdisciplinary view on Earth as a habitable planet, how it formed, evolved, allowed life to flourish, and how its future might look like. Would we be able to identify another Earth-like planet amongst the population of exoplanets?
Course catalogue
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The course should provide useful basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of extra-solar planetary systems and related topics.
Course catalogue
Title: The Sun, Stars and Planets - Properties, Processes and Interactions
Lecturers: Louise Harra, Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The physics of solar flares, coronal mass ejections and the solar wind will be described. A discussion of the similarities and differences to stellar flares and coronal mass ejections will follow. An introduction to the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets, the impact of stellar phenomena on exoplanets and in particular on their potential habitability will be given.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid, Louise Harra and Veerle Sterken
Abstract: Astronomical techniques and observing strategies are presented with a particular emphasis on currently available professional telescopes of the European Southern Observatory.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: An overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course catalogue
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The course should provide useful basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of extra-solar planetary systems and related topics.
Course catalogue
Title: Physics II (CHAB & HEST)
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Introduction to the concepts and tools in physics with the help of demonstration experiments: mechanics of point-like and ridged bodies, periodic motion and mechanical waves.
Course Catalogue
Title: The Sun, Stars and Planets - Properties, Processes and Interactions
Lecturers: Louise Harra, Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The physics of solar flares, coronal mass ejections and the solar wind will be described. A discussion of the similarities and differences to stellar flares and coronal mass ejections will follow. An introduction to the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets, the impact of stellar phenomena on exoplanets and in particular on their potential habitability will be given.
Course Catalogue
Title: Physics I (CHAB & HEST)
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Introduction to the concepts and tools in physics with the help of demonstration experiments: mechanics of point-like and ridged bodies, periodic motion and mechanical waves.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astrophysics I
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: This introductory course will develop basic concepts in astrophysics as applied to the understanding of the physics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Does not take place this semester
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The course should provide useful basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of extra-solar planetary systems and related topics.
Course catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: An overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course catalogue
Title: Astrophysics I
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: This introductory course will develop basic concepts in astrophysics as applied to the understanding of the physics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract:
The course should provide useful basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of extra-solar planetary systems and related topics.
Course catalogue
Title: Physics Lab
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Introductory lab course in experimental physics with accompanying lecture.
Course catalogue
Courses Autumn 2017
Title: Astrophysics I
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: This introductory course will develop basic concepts in astrophysics as applied to the understanding of the physics of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: An overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course catalogue
Title: Physics Lab I
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Introductory lab course in experimental physics with accompanying lecture.
Course catalogue
Courses Spring 2017
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The course should provide useful basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of extra-solar planetary systems and related topics.
Course catalogue
Title: Physics Lab II
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Versuche zu Themen aus den Bereichen der Mechanik, Optik, Wärme, Elektrizität und Kernphysik mit begleitender Vorlesung zur Vertiefung des Verständnisses der Datenanalyse und Interpretation.
Course catalogue
Courses Autumn 2016
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: This lecture gives a general introduction to main topics in modern astronomy. The lecture provide a basis for the more advanced lectures in astrophysics.
Course Catalogue
Title: Student Lab I
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: Introductory lab course in experimental physics with accompanying lecture
Course catalogue
Courses Spring 2016
Title: Physics II
Lecturer: Michael R. Meyer
Abstract: Introduction to the concepts and tools in physics with the help of demonstration experiments: electromagnetism, optics, introduction to modern physics.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: Astrophysics III is a course in Galactic Astrophysics. It introduces the concepts of stellar populations, stellar dynamics, interstellar medium, and star formation for understanding the physics and phenomenology of the different components of the Milky Way galaxy.
Course Catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Sascha P. Quanz
Abstract: The course covers the physics of the planets in the solar and extra-solar systems and gives a description of planet formation and evolution models. Also discussed in detail are the observational methods for the detection and characterization of extra-solar planetary systems.
Course catalogue
Courses Autumn 2015
Title: Physics I
Lecturer: Michael R. Meyer
Abstract: Introduction to the concepts and tools in physics with the help of demonstration experiments: mechanics of point-like and ridged bodies, periodic motion and mechanical waves.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomie
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: This lecture gives an overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course Catalogue
Courses Spring 2015
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Michael R. Meyer
Abstract: The course covers the physics of the planets in the solar and extra-solar systems, of brown dwarfs, and protostellar disks,
and gives a detailed description of planet formation and evolution models. Also described are the observational methods for the investigation of extra-solar systems.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astrophysics III
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: Astrophysics III is a course in Galactic Astrophysics. It introduces the concepts of stellar populations, stellar dynamics, interstellar medium, and star formation for understanding the physics and phenomenology of the different components of the Milky Way galaxy.
Course Catalogue
Title: Research Practice in Astrophysics
Lecturer: Michael R. Meyer
Abstract: The course will explore diverse aspects of the practice of research in astrophysics and will include topics related to the philosophy of science, ethics, and professional development. The course will be focussed on astrophysics, but might be of interest broadly to students in any branch of the physical sciences.
Course Catalogue
Title: Astronomy
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: An overview on the important topics in modern astronomy: planets, sun, stars, milky way, galaxies, and cosmology.
Course Catalogue
Title: Physics II
Lecturer: Michael R. Meyer
Abstract: Introduction to the concepts and tools in physics with the help of demonstration experiments: electromagnetism, optics, introduction to modern physics.
Course catalogue
Title: Extrasolar Planets
Lecturer: Hans Martin Schmid
Abstract: The course covers the physics of the planets in the solar and extra-solar systems, of brown dwarfs, and protostellar disks,
and gives a detailed description of planet formation and evolution models. Also described are the observational methods for the investigation of extra-solar systems.
Course catalogue