Abstract:

Asteroseismology – the study of stellar oscillations – is a powerful tool to probe the structure and evolution of stars. In addition to the wealth of newly discovered exoplanets, space-based telescopes such as Kepler have revolutionized asteroseismology by detecting oscillations in thousands of stars from the main sequence to the red-giant branch. In this talk I will highlight the most recent asteroseismic discoveries by Kepler/K2 with a particular focus on exoplanet host stars, and discuss efforts to improve stellar properties of the Kepler parent sample to derive accurate planet occurrence rates. I will also discuss the prospects for asteroseismic studies with TESS, including its role for the synergy of asteroseismology and galactic astronomy to probe the chemo-dynamical evolution of stellar populations in our Galaxy (galactic archeology).

Host:  Joshua Winn

Note: Refreshments at 3:45pm, talk begins at 4:00pm