Professor Emeritus

Curriculum Vitae

 
Research Interests: Observational optical astronomy; galactic astronomy and stellar photometry; star clusters; planet searches.
 
Professor Kenneth Janes’ primary research field is the study of the stellar populations of the galaxy and the search for extra-solar planets. By learning the ages and compositions of star clusters, the development of the galaxy can be mapped out from the time of the formation of the first stars to the present. Currently he is also studying stellar activity (starspots) and searching for planetary transits using highly precise photometric measurements of stars in clusters. He is part of a team of professional and amateur astronomers that has discovered 5 Jupiter-sized planets orbiting nearby stars much like the Sun.