Europlanet links research institutions and companies active in planetary research in Europe and around the world. Planetary science covers the study of our solar system and those around other stars. It is an interdisciplinary field of research that covers astronomy and geophysics, robotic and human exploration of other planets, as well as the search for extra-terrestrial life.

Since 2005, Europlanet has provided Europe’s planetary science community with a platform to:

• exchange ideas and personnel
• share research tools, data and facilities
• define key science goals for the future
• engage stakeholders, policy makers and European Citizens with planetary science.

The Europlanet 2020 Research Infrastructure (RI) is a €9.95 million project funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020. The project launched on 1st September 2015 and will run until 31 August 2019.

The Europlanet Consortium is a collegial organisation for research institutions and companies involved in planetary science.

Summer school 2017 announcement

Eurplanet 2020 (RI) and the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory (ITPA VU) are pleased to announce the international research summer school „Space missions: ground-based observations and science communication“. The aim of the course is to give participants a thorough, multidisciplinary introduction into space missions and the ground-based observations required by space missions before and after launch, as well as an introduction to science communication. More general subjects about specific space missions (Gaia, PLATO, TESS...),  planetary systems, habitability of planets, photometric and spectroscopic techniques will be presented. Participants will be given some hands-on experience with analysis of stellar chemical composition, detection of stellar variability and/or exoplanets using the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory telescopes (CCD photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy). In addition, the course will give participants the opportunity to develop comprehensive theoretical and practical skills in science communication and engaging with a range of lay audiences, including the public, media, policy makers, schools and educators. The course is open to PhD and master students, early career scientists, and amateur astronomers.

 

The school isorganized and sponsored by the Europlanet 2020 Research Infrastructure (RI)

 mao.tfai.vu.lt/europlanet2017

Summer school 2016 announcement

The school is co-organised by the European Commission HORIZON 2020 project EUROPLANET 2020 Research Infrastructure and Erasmus+ project European Astrobiology Campus. The aim of the course is to give participants a thorough multidisciplinary introduction into the field of exoplanets, their detection, types, characterization, and the possibility of life on exoplanets. In addition, more general planetary subjects like formation of planetary systems, habitability of planets, and physical processes in planetary atmospheres will be covered. To give participants some hands-on experience with detection of exoplanets, observations of several exoplanet transits using the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory telescopes will be carried out. The course is open to PhD and master students, early career scientists, and amateur astronomers.

 mao.tfai.vu.lt/exoplanets2016