Konstantin Batygin

Dr. Konstantin Batygin is a Professor of Planetary Science at the California Institute of Technology’s Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on planetary astrophysics, with an emphasis on solar system formation, exoplanet dynamics, and chaos theory. He is renowned for his work on the hypothetical Planet Nine and its influence on trans-Neptunian objects.

Research interests include:

• Formation and evolution of planetary systems
• Circumplanetary disk dynamics and satellite formation
• Tidal interactions in exoplanetary systems
• Chaotic orbital mechanics and resonances

Recent work explores tidal heating effects in sub-Neptunes, Jupiter’s inner moons’ migration, and interstellar object capture mechanisms. His team leverages analytical models and numerical simulations to address these topics.

Key contributions include proposing Planet Nine’s existence, studying the stability of compact exoplanet systems, and modeling circumplanetary disk evolution. Collaborations span observational and theoretical astrophysics, with a focus on bridging gaps between solar system and extrasolar planet research.