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This project aims to improve the methods used to extract and model stellar Radial Velocity (RV) observations to enable the detection of smaller and cooler exoplanets, including those that could potentially support life, around nearby stars.
The main challenge in the field is the intrinsic variability of the host stars, which causes complex apparent RV variations that are considerably larger than the planetary signals of interest.
As it is difficult to model these stellar nuisance signals from first principles, we use data-driven models based on Gaussian Processes (GPs) developed by the PI and her team.
Over the course of the project we will test and refine these models on archival data for a wide range of stars, use them to find and characterise new planets (in particular young planets orbiting active stars, and comparatively small and cool planets), and take part in the preparation and early operations phase of the Terra Hunting Experiment (THE).
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