Didier Queloz
Astrophysicist and Nobel laureate, pioneer in the discovery of exoplanets. His career inspires curiosity, science and exploration, showing how the passion for knowledge expands the limits of what is possible in the universe.
Biography / Speaker Info
Didier Queloz is a Swiss astronomer and professor, recognized worldwide for his revolutionary discovery of the first exoplanet orbiting a star similar to the Sun. His career is a clear example of perseverance and how scientific curiosity can change our understanding of the universe. With a rigorous working style and bold vision, Queloz has established himself as one of the most influential figures in modern astronomy. His discovery not only ushered in a new era of science and exploration, but also forced us to reevaluate our position in the cosmos, a paradigm shift that was acclaimed globally.
In 1995, while working on his doctoral thesis at the University of Geneva, Queloz and his thesis director, Michel Mayor, observed a slight oscillation in the star 51 Pegasi. This oscillation suggested the presence of an invisible planet. After months of rigorous analysis and in-depth research, they confirmed the finding, which would become the first exoplanet to be discovered. This planet, christened 51 Pegasi b, was a "hot Jupiter" and challenged the astronomical theories of the time, which held that such planets could not exist so close to their stars, opening the door to a new field of research.
The discovery of Queloz and Mayor was a historic milestone. It opened the door to the search for thousands of exoplanets, revolutionizing astronomy and astrophysics. This work laid the foundation for the development of new technologies and space missions dedicated to the detection of planets in other galaxies, including the Kepler space telescope and TESS. For their invaluable contribution, Queloz and Mayor were awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics, a well-deserved recognition of work that changed the paradigm of science and the way we search for life beyond Earth.
Since this discovery, Didier Queloz has devoted himself to teaching and research at the University of Cambridge, where he continues to explore the mysteries of the universe. His legacy is measured by his ability to inspire a new generation of astronomers and by his valuable contribution to the debate on the possibility of life on other planets.
