I. A. G. Snellen
Papers
1
Total Citations
34
H-Index
1
About
Ignas Snellen is a leading figure in exoplanetary science, renowned for pioneering the direct detection and characterization of exoplanet atmospheres. His key research areas include high-resolution spectroscopy, radial velocity techniques, and the atmospheric study of both transiting and directly imaged planets. Snellen’s major contributions include the first detection of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere of an exoplanet (HD 209458b) using high-dispersion spectroscopy, a breakthrough that opened a new window for chemical and dynamical studies of alien worlds. He also led the development of HARPS3, a high-precision spectrograph for the roboticized Isaac Newton Telescope, designed to detect Earth-mass planets around Sun-like stars. His work has garnered thousands of citations, reflecting its profound impact on the field. Notably, Snellen’s team achieved the first direct measurement of a planetary wind pattern and the spin of a directly imaged exoplanet, β Pictoris b. He is a professor at Leiden University and a recipient of the prestigious Vici and ERC Advanced Grants, cementing his role as a visionary in the quest to understand planetary systems beyond our own.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1HARPS3 for a roboticized Isaac Newton Telescope34 citations · 2016