Spring School: Tracking the Evolution of Planetary Systems and Planets, 15th to 22nd April 2026

Scientific Programme

The spring school “Tracking the evolution of planetary systems and planets” aims to give attendees a thorough introduction into the formation of protoplanetary disks, planetary systems and   planets and methods to investigate the associated processes. The lectures will cover the following programme points:

Formation of disks, planets and planet-disk interactions

  • Main processes in the evolution of protoplanetary disks and early planetary systems (gas-phase and dust)
  • Dynamic evolution of disks and planetary systems
  • Planet-disk interactions (shocks & heating, gaps & migration, signatures in molecular disk kinematics, lessons learned from Solar System)
  • Evolution of protoplanet envelopes & planet atmospheres

Observations of planet-forming disks and exoplanets

  • Observable imprints of the planet formation processes and planets onto disk structures
  • Atomic and molecular spectroscopy (IR and optical) for astronomic observations
  • Observations of dust and ices in disks (solid-state lines/bands
  • Introduction into Molecular observations with JWST:
    • Identifying molecules in protoplanetary discs with JWST
    • Using molecules and indicators of properties and evolution

Exploration of structures and processes in planet-forming disks

  • Molecular abundance in protoplanetary discs and dependence on different parameters (irradiation from the star, radius, distance from the disk plane/ecliptic)
  • Laboratory methods investigating chemical processes relevant to planet formation
  • Modelling of reaction networks in planet formation  (data input quality, sensitivity, pitfalls)

Other practical exercises, eg

  • Observations at Ondrejov
  • Using JWST of molecules in disks and exoplanets molecules and indicators of properties and evolution of disks and planets

Confirmed Lecturers and Exercise Leaders

chrenko_foto

Ondrej Chrenko
Ondrejov Observatory Czech Republic

ferus-martin

Martin Ferus
J. Heyrovský Institute, Czech Republic

WolfGeppert

Wolf Geppert
Stockholm University, Sweden

kabath

Petr Kabath
Ondrejov Observatory, Czech Republic

agneskospal

Ágnes Kóspál
Konkoly Observatory, Hungary

jennifernoble

Jennifer Noble
CNRS, France

apotapov

Alexey Potapov
University of Jena, Germany

catherinewalsh

Catherine Walsh
University of Leeds, UK

paul-rimmer

Paul Rimmer
University of Cambridge, UK

OIP

Anders Johansen
University of Copenhagen, Denmark

nienkevandermarel

Nienke van der Marel
Leiden University, The Netherlands (TBC)  

jirizak

Jiři Žak
Ondrejov Observatory, Czech Republic

Picture5_ss26

Other Programme Points

  • Poster sessions
  • Discussions

Social Programme

Last but not least, there will be a social programme. We plan

  • A visit to Prague ”Prague for astronomers” with a visit to the Strahov monastery (with its famous library) the astronomy exhibition at Klementinum and a stroll through the city with a visit to the astronomy clock on Old Town Square followed by some spare time.
  • A half day excursion to the beautiful town Mělnik with a visit to the ossuary, the church tower, the old city well and Lobkowicz castle.
Picture7_ss26
PLANETS_logo.blueonwhite
Picture3_ss26
COST_LOGO_rgb_HighRes

Vítejte v Liblicích!

Day
Hour
Minute
Second