Observations of an exoplanet's atmosphere provide the best hope for distinguishing the makeup of its outer layers, and the only hope for understanding the interplay between formation, natal composition, chemical and disequilibrium processes, and dynamics & circulation. The field is entering a revolution in our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres thanks to measurements from the ground, from space, and particularly from the new JWST – the superlative facility for exoplanet studies. In the longer term, such observations will also be essential for seeking signs of biosignature gasses in nearby exoplanets using future, next-generation observatories.
This year's workshop will cover theoretical modeling, interpretation, and observations of exoplanets using a variety of telescopes, techniques, and hands-on exercises, presented by leading experts in the field.
The 2023 workshop was hybrid with both in-person and on-line attendance.
The Sagan Summer Workshops are aimed at advanced undergraduates, grad students, and postdocs, however all are welcome to attend. There is no registration fee for these workshops.
Attendees participated in hands-on tutorials and had the chance to meet in smaller groups with our speakers.
All participants must follow this Code of Conduct.
The 2023 Sagan workshop will be a hybrid workshop from July 24-28, 2023. There is no registration fee to attend the workshop in person or remotely. Register using this link
On Saturday, July 29 there will be a half-day workshop on EXCALIBUR, a new tool for comparative planetology. More information on this optional workshop can be found here. Please indicate your interest in attending the EXCALIBUR workshop when you register for the 2023 Sagan workshop. There is no fee to attend the EXCALIBUR workshop and it will also be a hybrid format.
For remote attendees, we will stream the workshop sessions live and have a Slack channel for remote questions that we will try to answer during the live talks, though the conversation can continue on Slack. All talks will be available on our YouTube channel following the workshop. We will do our best to accommodate remote attendees, but please note that the support for and ability to ask questions about the hands-on sessions may be limited.
All attendees will have the opportunity to request a letter of attendance following the workshop.
We will have light snacks at the Opening Gathering on Sunday afternoon in Dabney Gardens.
Lunches: $13 each, options listed on food ordering page All attendees can order a box lunch whether they are joining in a lunch with speaker or not. Lunches will be delivered to Dabney Gardens where the lunch with speakers will take place.Our speakers will have lunch with up to 10 attendees during the workshop and we have also set up virtual meetings with our speakers for remote attendees. The sign-up for both in-person and virtual meetings with speakers was sent out by email; contact us if you need us to send it again.
Monday and Thursday Workshop Dinners: $30 per person per dinner We have arranged to have two outdoor dinners during the workshop on Monday and Thursday. These will take place in Dabney Gardens and will start at 5:30 pm. Attendance is optional but we hope you'll join us.In compliance with current Caltech requirements, all in-person attendees must have received a WHO recognized COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
We are using CrowdPass to verify each in-person attendee's vaccination status. After you register and indicate that you plan to attend the Sagan and/or EXCALIBUR workshop in person, the following steps will happen:
Limited travel support is available for graduate student and postdoctoral associates. The amount of travel support that we can offer is very limited and is only for local costs (hotel and per diem). We cannot provide airfare and applicants are encouraged to seek other sources to augment any travel funds NExScI can provide.
Click here for the travel support application.
Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation that should be submitted here. The letter should include a short statement about how the student will benefit from attending the workshop and an indication of financial need, including other possible sources of funding.
View presentations from previous summer workshops on the Sagan Summer Workshop YouTube Channel.
Email us: Sagan_Workshop@ipac.caltech.edu:
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle (SSC)
(last updated July 18th, 2024 16:05:12)
The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is operated by the California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the Exoplanet Exploration Program.
