Didier Queloz

On October 6, 1995, Didier Queloz, along with his doctoral advisor Michel Mayor, announced the discovery of 51 Pegasi b, the first exoplanet found orbiting a sun-like star. This discovery marked a monumental moment in astronomy, as it confirmed the existence of planets outside our solar system and opened a new field of astronomical research. 51 Pegasi b is a 'hot Jupiter', a gas giant that orbits very close to its host star.

In October 1997, Didier Queloz co-discovered several new exoplanets as equipment and techniques were refined following the discovery of 51 Pegasi b. These discoveries included planets around stars such as 70 Virginis and 47 Ursae Majoris, which helped to establish the ubiquity of exoplanets and spurred the development of new technologies and methods for detecting these distant worlds.

In February 1998, Didier Queloz completed his PhD at the University of Geneva under the supervision of Michel Mayor. His thesis and subsequent work focused on the detection and characterization of exoplanets, including the pioneering discovery of 51 Pegasi b. Queloz's academic achievements during his doctoral studies laid the groundwork for his prominent career in astrophysics and planetary science.

In October 2000, Didier Queloz contributed to the discovery of HD 209458 b, the first exoplanet observed to transit its star. This discovery, made through collaborative international efforts, provided crucial confirmation of the existence of exoplanets and became a benchmark for further studies, as transiting planets provide a wealth of information about their atmospheres and characteristics.

On April 14, 2007, Didier Queloz was part of the team that discovered Gliese 581c, a potentially habitable exoplanet orbiting the star Gliese 581. This discovery was significant because Gliese 581c was one of the first exoplanets found in the habitable zone, where conditions might allow for liquid water. This sparked excitement about the possibility of life beyond Earth.

In December 2009, Didier Queloz was appointed as a professor of astronomy at the University of Cambridge. This position allowed him to further his research into exoplanetary systems and mentor students in the next generation of astronomers. Queloz's role at Cambridge includes collaborating with international teams to advance the understanding of planets beyond our solar system.

In June 2011, Didier Queloz received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences. This prestigious award recognized Queloz and Michel Mayor for their foundational contributions to the development of observational techniques that have provided evidence for the existence of numerous exoplanets orbiting other stars, beginning with the first exoplanet discovered, 51 Pegasi b.

Didier Queloz was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics on October 8, 2019, alongside Michel Mayor and James Peebles. Queloz and Mayor were honored for their discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star, beginning with 51 Pegasi b. Their work has had a profound impact on the field of astronomy, providing new avenues for understanding the universe and the formation of planetary systems.

On January 15, 2020, Didier Queloz was inaugurated as the Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge. This position underscores his commitment to communicating complex scientific ideas in an accessible manner and engaging the public in understanding astronomical risks and the broader implications of scientific discoveries.

In September 2021, Didier Queloz was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, the highest honor from the society, for his contributions to the field of exoplanets. This award recognized Queloz's pioneering work and his impact on modern astronomy through the discovery and study of exoplanets, pushing the boundaries of knowledge about distant worlds.