University of Tasmania astrophysics student Katie Vandorou joins NASA

·

Katie Vandorou is a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania who uses a rather uncommon technique to detect planets outside of our solar system, or ‘exoplanets’. 

“They’re quite mysterious because they’re difficult to detect, they don’t emit their own light,” Vandorou tells ABC News

“Some of these planets are all the way at the center of our galaxy … which is about 25,000 light-years away.” 

Vandorou is using the gravitational microlensing technique to look at three exoplanet systems in particular. 

“One of the planetary systems that I’ve confirmed is called MOA 2013 BLG-220L and it’s a super-Jupiter, so it’s three times the size of Jupiter, and orbits a star similar to our sun,” she said. 

Exoplanets are notoriously difficult to find because, unlike stars, they don’t emit their own light (Photo: ABC News/Alexandra Alvaro)

She compiles her research into an exoplanet archive, an open-source website assessed by scientists all over the world. 

Vandorou has been accepted to work at NASA later in the year where she will continue her gravitational microlensing research work. 

“I’ll be doing more follow-up observations on these systems and there will also be room to work on some other things and collaborate with some new people,” she says.

“It’s definitely a very good opportunity and opens lots of doors and the US has a lot of research around exoplanets so it means I get a lot of exposure to a lot of other scientists, which will be cool.”

Source: ABC News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Margaret Thanos on misinformation about COVID vaccines and women’s health

As Margaret Thanos waited to get her first dose of a vaccine to protect her against COVID-19, she found herself crying.

Chrysoulakis and Kourakis meet to discuss strengthening Greek diaspora ties

John Chrysoulakis met with Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of South Australia, to discuss strengthening ties between Greece and Australia.

Registrations open for SA’s Gr2021 art prize to mark Greek Revolution bicentenary

Registrations are now open for the By George! 2021 inaugural biennial international art prize launched by the Foundation for Hellenic Studies.