Abstract: Astronomical optical interferometry overcomes the diffraction-limit of an individual telescope and delivers exceptional high-angular resolutions a few milli-arcseconds and astrometry a few tens of micro-arcseconds by combining coherent light from two or more telescopes separated by a large distance. However, optical interferometers are orders-of-magnitude less sensitive than single-dish telescopes to observe fainter objects because of the large number of reflections in the optical path, and atmospheric turbulence. Second-generation beam combiner instruments such as VLTI/GRAVITY and CHARA/MIRC-X use adaptive optics and sub-electron noise detector technology to achieve higher sensitivity. Exploiting these new instrumentation has been delivered breakthrough sciences: imaging of young stellar objects and exoplanet characterization. I will discuss these new opportunities and our ongoing efforts to imaging young stellar objects, exoplanet detection, and Exoplanet Program gap listed direct measurement of stellar radii and limb darkening.

Host:  Suvrath Mahadevan

Please click the link to join the webinar: https://psu.zoom.us/j/96060188956