"Formation, Evolution, and Interiors of Giant Planets: The Solar System and Beyond"

Planets are common astronomical objects. Gas giant planets are the first planets to form, and due to their large masses they affect the dynamical evolution of young planetary systems. In addition, giant planet composition reveals key information on the birth environment of planets.

In this talk I will briefly summarize giant planet formation, evolution, and interior models. I will show that giant planets are complex objects that can have composition gradients and fuzzy cores, and that their internal structure and evolution depend on their growth history.

I will also present new structure models of Jupiter that fit the planet’s gravity data as measured by the NASA Juno mission, and explain how they reveal information on Jupiter's origin and evolution.

Finally, I will discuss the connection between recent developments in giant planet theory and high-pressure physics as well as the characterization of giant planets around other stars.

Should you require any accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity related to this event, please contact Stacy Tiburzi at 734-764-3440 or stibu@umich.edu.