DIX Planetary Science Seminar

The observed population of small, close-in exoplanets is bifurcated into two distinct types by the so-called ‘radius gap'. In this talk I will discuss the atmospheric processes which may affect such planets and finally lead to the radius gap being carved out, specifically X-ray/EUV photoevaporation, core-powered mass-loss and boil-off. I will show how one can exploit these mass-loss processes to 'rewind the clock' on planetary evolution, to infer the underlying population at birth.