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Dr. Hubbard's theoretical work is currently being carried
out on the structure and evolution of Jupiter, Saturn, and extrasolar giant
planets (EGPs). All of these bodies contain large amounts of liquid
metallic hydrogen, and radiate observable amounts of energy as they cool
and shrink. Hubbard and collaborators and students are engaged in
an ambitious effort to derive a general theory to relate the age of the
giant planet of specified mass to its expected luminosity and atmospheric
composition and spectral characteristics. This theory will be calibrated
by our own giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn, and will be useful in interpreting
observations of EGPs. Using years of experience in observing planetary
occultations, Hubbard is studying the predicted characteristics of transit
lightcurves for extrasolar planets. Dr. Hubbard is also currently carrying
out studies of a possible future Jupiter orbiter mission as part of a potential
New Frontiers initiative.
