NCCR PlanetS

The discovery of the first planet outside our solar system by Swiss astronomers in 1995 sparked a revolution in the field of astronomy. Not only did it help us to understand how planets are formed and evolve, but it also contributed to the development of instruments dedicated to the discovery of further exoplanets. By combining astronomical observations, measurements of solar system bodies using spacecraft, laboratory work and theoretical modelling, the NCCR "PlanetS ? Origin, Evolution and Characterisation of Planets" aims to contribute to a better understanding of planets. In addition, the NCCR will coordinate the use of the CHEOPS instrument (CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite), whose launch into orbit is scheduled for 2017.