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Extrasolar Planet Researcher to Speak at FVCC April 21

Dr. David Mitchell is an associate professor of physics at California Polytechnic State University

By Beacon STaff

An extrasolar planet researcher from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo will speak at Flathead Valley Community College on April 21 about how astronomers detect planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. Free and open to the public, the presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in room 140 of Blake Hall on campus.

Dr. David Mitchell is an associate professor of physics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. As a graduate student, he worked as part of two extrasolar planet hunting teams, including one that looked for planets orbiting giant stars. His team collaborated with the world’s leading extrasolar planet hunting group from the University of California Berkeley to discover the first known planet orbiting a giant star in 2001. His research has resulted in the discovery of eight confirmed planets to date.

In addition to discussing how scientists detect extrasolar planets, Mitchell will share the results of recent investigations and projections for the future of extrasolar planetary astronomy.

Mitchell’s presentation is sponsored by FVCC’s History and Physics departments. For more information, contact FVCC Professor of History Rob Bauer at [email protected] or 756-3860.