The Complexity of Planetary Hazes Near and Far
Sarah Moran, Johns Hopkins University

Abstract: Photochemical hazes are found across the solar system and in exoplanet atmospheres, with important effects on atmospheric chemistry and subsequent possible impacts on observations. These hazes can impact both atmospheric observations and interpretations with current observatories like Hubble, in the future with JWST and ground-based observatories, as well as with upcoming planetary missions. I will present results of the composition and spectra of haze particles produced from exoplanet and Triton laboratory studies in the JHU PHAZER laboratory. I will specifically delve into the role of oxygen-bearing species on the chemical behavior of haze particles.

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Planet formation in massive stellar clusters
Tom Haworth, Queen Mary University of London

Abstract: A lot of work is currently dedicated to understanding how planets might form from circumstellar disks of material around young stars. However, most of our detailed observations are of nearby disks which are in low mass star forming regions. The majority of stars form in denser clusters where massive stars result in a stronger UV radiation environment. This “external” UV irradiation of discs in clusters can affect the disc mass, radius and lifetime, which may also affect the resulting planets. I plan to review evidence for the above and discuss two key outstanding questions: (1) Down to how weak of a UV field are discs significantly affected by their environment? and (2) How do the timescales for planet formation and external photoevaporation compare and compete?