” Nobel Prize for Physics 2019 – Search for Exoplanets goes to a New Level ” – October 8, 2019.

          Observational astronomy and particle physics have combined to create modern cosmology, a domination in the science and development of the Universe and the existence of the human beings from its beginning till this day and further into the future.

           This year’s  (2019) Nobel Physics Prize, announced today,  has been jointly awarded to (a)  Canadian American Scientist James Peebles for his “theoretical discoveries in Physical Cosmology”  and (b) the two Swiss Scientists Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for  “discovering an exoplanet orbiting a solar type star”.  While James Peebles will take half the prize, the other half will be shared by Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz.

           James Peebles developed the theoretical frameworks over a two decade period which gave the foundation of our modern understanding of the Universe’s History from the Big Bang to the present day.

            Swiss  Scientists were engaged  in the first  discovery of a planet outside our solar system, an exoplanet, orbiting a Solar type Star,  51 Pegasus,  made in 1995. It is a hot Jupiter with a 4.2 day orbit.

          The discoveries by these three emphasize that new worlds are being discovered with an incredible wealth of sizes, forms, and orbits.

          The first evidence of an  ‘exoplanet’  was noted in 1917, but it was only in 2016 that it came to be recognised. The first scientific detection also began only in 1988. There are now 4031 confirmed  Exoplanets  existing.

          Uses :  1.  For future of Planetary discovery and mapping.

          2.  We learn how planets came from and how they interact with each other.

          3.  We learn how our Solar System fits into the rest of the galaxy and the Universe.

          4.  NASA has an Exoplanet Exploration Program which provides insight into where we come from and are we alone – two timeless questions humans are confronted with.

          5.  This also helps to engage and inspire students to take interest in technical and scientific matters.

           Scientists also do not discount existence of other life forms than what we know today, but still we are not certain about other life forms or even how we can look for them as at present.

           Importance :  Such findings as the ones provided by these Nobel Laureates are of extreme value and significance to get materials and Information that may be available so that everyone can understand the discoveries and challenges ahead. Our conceptions of the World can even change dramatically.

   “Dieu avec nous”

   Tuesday, October 8, 2019 –  6.49 p.m. (IST)

   Tidbit : ” You should do it for the love of Science ;  you should enter Science because you are fascinated by it “.  –  James Peebles, Nobel Laureate 2019.