Current Position:
Associate Professor of Exoplanetary Science; Tutorial Fellow in Physics, Brasenose College
Institution:
University of Oxford
Discipline:
Astrophysics & Cosmology
Recognized for: Detecting water in the atmosphere of an exoplanet – a planet that is out of the solar system – with robust evidence, for the first time, and continuously advancing cutting-edge spectroscopy and imaging techniques for exoplanet research. Birkby’s work accelerates the quest to identify life-signaling molecules like oxygen, methane, water, and carbon dioxide on nearby exoplanets.
Areas of Research Interest and Expertise: Astrophysics, Exoplanets, Astrobiology
Previous Positions:
Research Summary:
For centuries, the question of life beyond Earth has captivated human imagination. Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of astrophysicists like Jayne Birkby, PhD, this inquiry is no longer confined to speculation. Birkby stands at the forefront of scientific exploration, dedicating her expertise to the development and enhancement of critical technologies that promise to unveil the mysteries of distant exoplanets and, perhaps, signs of extraterrestrial life.
In 2013, Birkby made a groundbreaking announcement – the first detection of water in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, with robust evidence. This landmark achievement not only sent shockwaves through the astronomical community, but it also underscored the capabilities of Birkby’s adaption of the High-Resolution Spectroscopy (HRS) technique, which was key to the discovery. Notably, the HRS technique, equipped in ground-based telescopes, has become instrumental in detecting a wide range of molecules in exoplanet atmospheres by eliminating systematic errors and noise from Earth's own atmosphere. Today, many research groups worldwide utilize Birkby’s innovative HRS technique, alleviating the need for costly space telescopes dedicated to exoplanet studies.
Continuing to push technological boundaries, Birkby is spearheading the integration of HRS with high-resolution imaging, collaborating with the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), the world's largest ground telescope currently under construction. Anticipated to commence operations in 2030, this collaboration positions Birkby's techniques as the exclusive means, over the next decade, for detecting life-indicating combinations of molecules, such as oxygen, methane, water, and carbon dioxide, on rocky exoplanets closest to the solar system.
Beyond the search for extraterrestrial life, Birkby employs her pioneering technology to deepen our understanding of exoplanet formation and weather systems. Her work unveils the rich diversity of exoplanets, with unique characteristics that challenge our preconceptions and broaden the horizons of planetary science. Her contributions not only expand our cosmic knowledge but also pave the way for future breakthroughs in the quest for life beyond our solar system.
"We are on a most extraordinary adventure: building great observatories that, for the first time in human history, have the power to find life on other worlds. If life exists in the nearest star systems, we can find evidence for it in our lifetimes."
Key Publications:
Other Honors:
| 2021 | Philip Leverhulme Prize, The Leverhulme Trust |
| 2018 | Starting Grant, European Research Council (ERC) |
| 2014 | Sagan Fellowship, NASA |
In the Media:
NewScientist – Water Spotted in The Atmosphere of Nearby Hot Jupiter Exoplanet
Astronomy – Novel Technique Boosts Hunt for Water on Planets Around Other Stars
Physics.org – UKIRT Discovers 'Impossible' Binary Stars
BBC/PBS – NOVA Universe Revealed: Alien Worlds