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The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know
As recently as 1990, it seemed plausible that the solar system was a unique phenomenon in our galaxy. Thanks to advances in technology and clever new uses of existing data, now we know that planetary systems and possibly even a new Earth can be found throughout galaxies near and far.
We are living during a new golden age of planetary discovery, with the prospect of finding many worlds like Earth. Most of the thousands of planets we've detected can't be imaged directly, but researchers are able to use subtle clues obtained in ingenious ways to assemble an astonishing picture of planetary systems far different from our own. We are in the midst of an astronomical revolution, comparable to the Copernican revolution that established our current view of the solar system - and we invite you to take part.
Embark on this unrivaled adventure in 24 lectures by a veteran planet hunter. Designed for everyone from armchair explorers to serious skywatchers, The Search for Exoplanets follows the numerous twists and turns in the hunt for exoplanets - the false starts, the sudden breakthroughs, and the extraordinary discoveries. Explore systems containing super-Earths, mini-Neptunes, lava worlds, and even stranger worlds. You also get behind-the-scenes information on the techniques astronomers used to find evidence of planets at mind-boggling distances from our home base. Learn how astronomers determine how many planets are in a system as well as how large they are and the characteristics of their atmospheres. You will feel like Dr. Watson in the presence of Sherlock Holmes as Professor Winn extracts a wealth of information from a spectrum, a light graph, a diffraction pattern, and other subtle clues.
©2015 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2015 The Great Courses
We are living during a new golden age of planetary discovery, with the prospect of finding many worlds like Earth. Most of the thousands of planets we've detected can't be imaged directly, but researchers are able to use subtle clues obtained in ingenious ways to assemble an astonishing picture of planetary systems far different from our own. We are in the midst of an astronomical revolution, comparable to the Copernican revolution that established our current view of the solar system - and we invite you to take part.
Embark on this unrivaled adventure in 24 lectures by a veteran planet hunter. Designed for everyone from armchair explorers to serious skywatchers, The Search for Exoplanets follows the numerous twists and turns in the hunt for exoplanets - the false starts, the sudden breakthroughs, and the extraordinary discoveries. Explore systems containing super-Earths, mini-Neptunes, lava worlds, and even stranger worlds. You also get behind-the-scenes information on the techniques astronomers used to find evidence of planets at mind-boggling distances from our home base. Learn how astronomers determine how many planets are in a system as well as how large they are and the characteristics of their atmospheres. You will feel like Dr. Watson in the presence of Sherlock Holmes as Professor Winn extracts a wealth of information from a spectrum, a light graph, a diffraction pattern, and other subtle clues.
©2015 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2015 The Great Courses
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 25, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 22, 2019
Definitely up to the usual high standards of the Great Courses. Does a really excellent job explaining the different detection techniques with their relative strengths and limitations.
June 16, 2024
Ever since learning about the Trappist-1 system and seeing the visual impression of what its seven exoplanets might look like, I have been fascinated by the whole subject. That is, at least, in its more sensational form - the actual prospect of there being confirmed planets with conditions potentially conducive to life, orbiting distant star systems. Since the field really was not properly established as a serious science until the 1990s, it still feels pregnant with mystery and potential for some absolutely stunning discoveries in the not-too-distant future. But alas, this also proves something of a tenuous lure for the lay reader (or at least myself, who for one am not particularly talented in absorbing complex scientific data beyond forming a general picture in my mind).
More often than not, I find my hopes for a truly intriguing exploration into possible worlds beyond our own solar system to be extremely childish, impatient and wholly lacking in a nuanced appreciation for how painstakingly gradual such discoveries almost always prove to be. Instead, I find repeated expositions into what makes our planet work, or else the cutting-edge technology incorporated into the search for exoplanets, or else great scientific minds of the past proving that they were no less capable of being petty, backstabbing jerks to each other.
This series of lectures, to be fair, is not just this. But it wasn't really what I had hoped for, or found to be particularly engaging either. So far, the best thing I have read on the subject is Worlds Without End, a diverse collection of essays, published by Scientific American.
More often than not, I find my hopes for a truly intriguing exploration into possible worlds beyond our own solar system to be extremely childish, impatient and wholly lacking in a nuanced appreciation for how painstakingly gradual such discoveries almost always prove to be. Instead, I find repeated expositions into what makes our planet work, or else the cutting-edge technology incorporated into the search for exoplanets, or else great scientific minds of the past proving that they were no less capable of being petty, backstabbing jerks to each other.
This series of lectures, to be fair, is not just this. But it wasn't really what I had hoped for, or found to be particularly engaging either. So far, the best thing I have read on the subject is Worlds Without End, a diverse collection of essays, published by Scientific American.
August 11, 2019
"The search for exoplanets" is a university-degree series of lectures about the subfield in astronomy that deals with identifying exoplanets and their properties. As the author describes, it is the most exciting and fast-moving area of physics and astronomy at the moment. The course is quite complete, explaining in detail the various techniques, the ones that have actually worked, the history of the various space telescopes, and future programs.
On the negative side, the math is a bit shallow (but it's what an Audiobook allows) and it would be great to have a more up-to-date version, given that there have been many discoveries in the past few years.
On the negative side, the math is a bit shallow (but it's what an Audiobook allows) and it would be great to have a more up-to-date version, given that there have been many discoveries in the past few years.
January 5, 2016
When I started the book I thought to myself that it's very systematic and also quite engaging, really a great way to get exposed to the matter - but it's all pretty basic stuff about exoplanets, I thought. If only it came out a little earlier, before I gained my extensive knowledge of the matter (gained from reading 3 wikipedia articles).
I was of course humbled by the remainder of the lectures. They answered all the questions I had about the hunt for exoplanets plus a lot more that I haven't thought of asking. It not only explained the methods and equipment used to discover the exoplanets we already know about in great detail but also managed to be a page turner and kept me wanting more. Additionally, it was particularly exciting to read a non-fiction book which is that recent - I'm still catching up on classics and I rarely read "fresh" books that discuss up-to-date science. This adds and extra element of thrill! And just when I was despairing that we've already covered all existing discoveries in the field it added a lot more to that - it covered not only the missions planned for the foreseeable future but if also felt as if the author invited me to dream together about the possible future knowledge that lies ahead. It reinforced my already eager anticipation of the space missions over the coming decades and the insight about the universe they are going to bring about. What an exciting time to be alive!
I was of course humbled by the remainder of the lectures. They answered all the questions I had about the hunt for exoplanets plus a lot more that I haven't thought of asking. It not only explained the methods and equipment used to discover the exoplanets we already know about in great detail but also managed to be a page turner and kept me wanting more. Additionally, it was particularly exciting to read a non-fiction book which is that recent - I'm still catching up on classics and I rarely read "fresh" books that discuss up-to-date science. This adds and extra element of thrill! And just when I was despairing that we've already covered all existing discoveries in the field it added a lot more to that - it covered not only the missions planned for the foreseeable future but if also felt as if the author invited me to dream together about the possible future knowledge that lies ahead. It reinforced my already eager anticipation of the space missions over the coming decades and the insight about the universe they are going to bring about. What an exciting time to be alive!
May 8, 2025
I feel a little mean rating this as 2 stars because the course was well presented and very thorough.
A great deal of the course was about the history and the technical details of the various methods of detecting exoplanets and, as such, was pretty dry, for me at least. It also didn't help that I was listening via audiobook when formulas were being described.
I did discover some interesting facts however, particularly how varied solar systems of other stars are, with some extreme planetary sizes, orbital periods etc. We certainly cannot use our own system as a template for what is out there.
Like all these excellent courses it's important to make sure the subject matter is something you are prepared to cover in detail, which is something I failed to properly do.
A great deal of the course was about the history and the technical details of the various methods of detecting exoplanets and, as such, was pretty dry, for me at least. It also didn't help that I was listening via audiobook when formulas were being described.
I did discover some interesting facts however, particularly how varied solar systems of other stars are, with some extreme planetary sizes, orbital periods etc. We certainly cannot use our own system as a template for what is out there.
Like all these excellent courses it's important to make sure the subject matter is something you are prepared to cover in detail, which is something I failed to properly do.
March 8, 2022
"I really liked it." - 4 out of 5 star rating.
Overall, this is a top notch Great Course on a very interesting subject (even more so if you're a sci-fi fan) and the speaker did an excellent job in performance as well as content provided.
Some of my favorite lectures within this were the lava worlds aka "Hot Jupiter" like planets, a different perspective of worlds orbiting dwarf stars versus giant stars, and a very strong finish with current events within the field.
The only reason why -1 star, is because it started off a bit slow. Pulling in the reader and getting them hooked from the start is tough, but possible and often accomplished by the greats/best sellers. Dr. Winn missed this mark and had me really questioning if I should continue this course or move on to something else. Thankfully, I stuck it out and around the 50% mark and this becomes a truly amazing Great Course.
Highly recommend!
Overall, this is a top notch Great Course on a very interesting subject (even more so if you're a sci-fi fan) and the speaker did an excellent job in performance as well as content provided.
Some of my favorite lectures within this were the lava worlds aka "Hot Jupiter" like planets, a different perspective of worlds orbiting dwarf stars versus giant stars, and a very strong finish with current events within the field.
The only reason why -1 star, is because it started off a bit slow. Pulling in the reader and getting them hooked from the start is tough, but possible and often accomplished by the greats/best sellers. Dr. Winn missed this mark and had me really questioning if I should continue this course or move on to something else. Thankfully, I stuck it out and around the 50% mark and this becomes a truly amazing Great Course.
Highly recommend!
March 15, 2018
This is a course so a long read.
Winn covers the territory: where the work is done, what equipment is used, and who is doing the work. He relates the work to earlier noted physicists as well as contemporary astrophysicists, astronomers, and exoplanet specialists.
While planets are known in other galaxies, the knowledge of exoplanets is from those in our own galaxy. I was amazed by the amount that we do know despite the tremendous distance and the interference in every type of information gathering. Space is not a void -- there are various bodies, dust, particles, rays, forces, and unknown interference. Planets take many forms and makeup, and they orbit their suns differently.
I enjoyed the book very much.
Winn covers the territory: where the work is done, what equipment is used, and who is doing the work. He relates the work to earlier noted physicists as well as contemporary astrophysicists, astronomers, and exoplanet specialists.
While planets are known in other galaxies, the knowledge of exoplanets is from those in our own galaxy. I was amazed by the amount that we do know despite the tremendous distance and the interference in every type of information gathering. Space is not a void -- there are various bodies, dust, particles, rays, forces, and unknown interference. Planets take many forms and makeup, and they orbit their suns differently.
I enjoyed the book very much.
January 18, 2022
This is a well organized introductory lecture on exoplanets. Like most Great Courses productions, it manages to be both academic and accessible. Even though the field is changing rapidly, this audiobook is still pretty relevant today in 2022.
October 28, 2016
So very fascinating and what a wonderful lecturer! I'd definitely take courses from him. He even made the formulas sound interesting. I learned so much that I didn't know -- but also tied into the bits of information that I had picked up over the last couple decades.
July 16, 2026
PSA: I am not great at articulating my thoughts. This is just my opinion. Love what you love!
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
I had had this one in my library for a long time and always interested in the subject matter of Exoplanets. I had a basic knowledge of the techniques used and the Kepler missions before going into this so it was neat to hear about all of that in more detail. Learning about the three main ways exo-planets are discovered was super interesting. There was such a wide variety of lectures and topics that the narrator touched on, including the search for life as some of the final lectures.
I wasn't sure what to rate this over all. I definitely found the information compelling and it was all fascinating to listen to. It is likely better when you have the work book or actually watch the DVD lectures that include the visuals. The narrator seemed knowledgeable and intelligent, but did have a bit of a monotone voice. He sounded very much like a Professor and likely would have been more interesting if listened to/viewed in smaller chunks. I listened to this for hours a day, every day so it got boring/monotonous after awhile.
There was so much info dumping though, I am not sure that any of it will really stick long term. Maybe a couple things that I already had a basic understanding. Would really need to focus on the course material or listen to multiple times to get a long term take away. I was also cleaning while listening so I wasn't 100% paying attention. Still, I appreciated the series and found it educational.
~*~*~*~Questions to Consider~*~*~*~
Would I Buy the Book?
Yes. I own this lecture series through Audible.
Would I Re-Read the Book?
No. I think this was an interesting listen but it definitely dragged towards the end.
Will I Continue the Series?
N/A This is not a series, but I love a lot of the Great Courses in regards to the same subject matter.
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
I had had this one in my library for a long time and always interested in the subject matter of Exoplanets. I had a basic knowledge of the techniques used and the Kepler missions before going into this so it was neat to hear about all of that in more detail. Learning about the three main ways exo-planets are discovered was super interesting. There was such a wide variety of lectures and topics that the narrator touched on, including the search for life as some of the final lectures.
I wasn't sure what to rate this over all. I definitely found the information compelling and it was all fascinating to listen to. It is likely better when you have the work book or actually watch the DVD lectures that include the visuals. The narrator seemed knowledgeable and intelligent, but did have a bit of a monotone voice. He sounded very much like a Professor and likely would have been more interesting if listened to/viewed in smaller chunks. I listened to this for hours a day, every day so it got boring/monotonous after awhile.
There was so much info dumping though, I am not sure that any of it will really stick long term. Maybe a couple things that I already had a basic understanding. Would really need to focus on the course material or listen to multiple times to get a long term take away. I was also cleaning while listening so I wasn't 100% paying attention. Still, I appreciated the series and found it educational.
~*~*~*~Questions to Consider~*~*~*~
Would I Buy the Book?
Yes. I own this lecture series through Audible.
Would I Re-Read the Book?
No. I think this was an interesting listen but it definitely dragged towards the end.
Will I Continue the Series?
N/A This is not a series, but I love a lot of the Great Courses in regards to the same subject matter.
"There are then innumerable suns, and an infinite number of earths revolve around those suns, just as the seven we can observe revolve around this sun which is close to us."
— Giordano Bruno, 1584
February 4, 2020
This Great Courses series of lectures brings the listener up to date (2015) with the search for planets around other stars. I am old enough to remember when trying to detect a planet beyond our own solar system seemed like a fool's errand. Yet, they have done it with extremely sensitive detectors, space telescopes and a lot of clever tricks. I was impressed. However, this particular science is in its infancy. There is a lot more to learn and to be definite about. Those fancy CGI graphics videos of exoplanets I see on science shows are what we used to call "artist's renderings" in polite company, and total BS amongst those in the know. The only thing that astronomers can see at this point (if anything) are bumps in a graph, anomalies in their data, or little points of light that look like (and in some cases actually are) dust particles on the lens.
This series is originally in video format and I think some of the ideas presented here would be better understood by watching the video with all the diagrams and pictures. I know how some of this is done, so the audio version was sufficient for me. Those who do not have a science background will probably like this series better than most. The professor is congenial, with a good voice, and he seems to assume a beginner audience. I am not a beginner, yet I enjoyed it too and learned a lot.
I'll probably listen to these lectures again, and maybe look for the video version at the library.
This series is originally in video format and I think some of the ideas presented here would be better understood by watching the video with all the diagrams and pictures. I know how some of this is done, so the audio version was sufficient for me. Those who do not have a science background will probably like this series better than most. The professor is congenial, with a good voice, and he seems to assume a beginner audience. I am not a beginner, yet I enjoyed it too and learned a lot.
I'll probably listen to these lectures again, and maybe look for the video version at the library.
April 3, 2018
This was a very interesting and comprehensive look at exoplanet science. A bit frustrating that it was evidently recorded in 2014, since I know from other science news sources that I follow that there have been even more developments in the years since; the lecturer even mentions new missions to look forward to that have already launched by this point in time. There are indications in the material that there is a DVD version of this as well, and I definitely think visuals would be helpful to more fully comprehend the material, but Winn presents the information with such clarity that I didn't feel like I was really missing out.
This was a sort of random choice, browsing the selection of lecture series at a different library than my usual one.
This was a sort of random choice, browsing the selection of lecture series at a different library than my usual one.
August 28, 2017
This is a really good lecture series. (It makes me feel that he'd be a great professor to take a course from.) I tended to ignore the formulae, since there was no way I could properly use them while driving (which is where I did most of my listening for this audio book). The descriptions and explanations of the search methods, however, were great and easy to understand even without any visuals. Probably a 4.5 rating, but I'm rounding up.
November 23, 2022
So much info. Great start and end. But the middle was so technical 😂 At beginning I was like YES! Why am I not an astronomer?!? And then he started throwing out the equations- sine of I times little m over big M pi square root of R, etc. and then I remembered it’s the math. 😋
Well I didn’t follow all of the complicated stuff and will never remember almost if it. But it was very interesting and informative. Lecturer was great.
Well I didn’t follow all of the complicated stuff and will never remember almost if it. But it was very interesting and informative. Lecturer was great.
July 12, 2017
To be honest this one spaced me out a little (ha!) The basic information was often stuff I knew and at its most complex the author was reciting formulas that I just don't care about. The middle ground was somewhat interesting but not gripping. I'm sure it's a good overview, but it didn't quite mesh with me.
November 26, 2019
Dr Winn does a great job with this course. It still amazes me how much information can be derived from points of light. You can determine mass, composition, motion and many many more factors. This lecture series shows where we’ve been and where we’re going in the search for exoplanets. It’s impressive
July 17, 2020
4.25/5
Another great Great Course!! This course covered how exoplanets are found, from which techniques are used, what information this brings, and why this is important.
I really liked it! It went beyond basic Astronomy 101, though was still not overly complex (and all complex concepts were well explained) to the point a non-STEM person wouldn't understand it (though, I am a STEM person, so I may be wrong in that judgement).
If you like space, you will like this!
Another great Great Course!! This course covered how exoplanets are found, from which techniques are used, what information this brings, and why this is important.
I really liked it! It went beyond basic Astronomy 101, though was still not overly complex (and all complex concepts were well explained) to the point a non-STEM person wouldn't understand it (though, I am a STEM person, so I may be wrong in that judgement).
If you like space, you will like this!
October 29, 2020
Super interesting and informative. I learned a lot of new things. Some of the science I knew, but the lecturer explains everything very clearly for all levels and style of delivery is great. There is also a very detailed PDF booklet to go with the lectures. Useful! Would recommend for those interested in learning more about exoplanets and astronomy in general!
December 28, 2017
A stunning set of lectures about what is out beyond what we currently know. If you have any interest in outer space and don't mind heavy science it is a great listen. The lectures do a great job of explaining the science so that a layman (like myself) can follow along.
August 14, 2020
Fantastic overview of what we know about XO planets and the methods that were used to detect them. Perfect introduction to complete view of the field by an entertaining, clear speaker. I really enjoyed every lecture and learnt a lot. Now I have a lot to think about! Highly recommended.
March 30, 2023
This is a great exploration of the world of planets outside of our own solar system. Numerous astronomers and other scientists have developed techniques to observe distant planets and test them for the presence of life.
July 6, 2018
Listened to it on 1.5x but otherwise quite good, if esoteric.
April 23, 2019
Great explanations of the techniques and limitations of the search. A bit repetitive at times because the format was a series of shorter audio recordings of lectures strung together, but worth it.
September 11, 2019
Fun that the search for exoplanets touches on so many fields and topics: optics, chemistry, relativity, etc.
January 19, 2020
Such a great lecture series, fascinating information and easy to understand- Professor Winn has a talent for public speaking. One of the things I’ve taken away is the knowledge of the awesome SETI@home Berkeley project and I’ll be joining soon myself.
July 23, 2020
Just didn’t feel like he explained things that well. Sometimes too vague and general and sometimes reciting formulas without explaining them.
January 5, 2022
I listened to this as an audiobook. I liked this book because space fascinates me. Knowing that there are so many planets out there that could contain life is nice.
March 30, 2022
Really good. Would have been happy for it to be a bit longer
October 31, 2022
Engaging lectures
December 3, 2022
Good content, but guess I'd rather hear or dream about the planets discovered and care less about the techniques used to discover them...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews