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Exoplanet research stands on the brink of significant advancements in understanding planetary system origins, propelled by the discovery and in-depth analysis of exoplanets across various evolutionary stages. In this talk, I will showcase several projects focusing on space telescope observations of exoplanets. First, I will discuss the insights from the Hubble Space Telescope's high-contrast imaging of protoplanetary disks. These observations have facilitated the precise identification and study of accreting gas giants, offering a direct view into active planet formation. Second, I will describe time-series observations of exoplanets and brown dwarfs that have unveiled the heterogeneous structures in their atmospheres. Finally, I will discuss the prospects of connecting planet formation with atmospheric characterization in light of the exciting early results from JWST observations and the forthcoming era of ELTs.
Dr. Yifan Zhou is an assistant professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 2019 and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Texas at Austin. His research uses high-contrast imaging and time series observations to study planet formation and planetary atmospheres. He is the principal investigator of multiple Hubble and James Webb Space Telescope programs.