Vidi grant for Tim Lichtenberg

The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded a Vidi grant of up to €850,000 to dr. Tim Lichtenberg of the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute. With this grant, he can further develop his innovative research programme and expand his existing research group.

Hazy worlds around tiny stars: could the most common planets harbour hidden atmospheres?
Most planets in the universe orbit small, cool stars called M-dwarfs. Recent space telescope observations suggest these planets may lack atmospheres, making them barren rocks. However, new data shows that M-dwarf planets likely form from material much richer in carbon than our Solar System. Carbon-rich planets could develop thick, hazy atmospheres that are hard to detect with current methods. This project will build computer models to simulate how such carbon-rich planets evolve and predict what telescopes should observe, helping determine whether these common worlds could support conditions for life.

Apart from Tim Lichtenberg, six other UG and UMCG researchers have been awarded a Vidi grant.