Nobel physics prize awarded for cosmology and exoplanet discovery
8 Oct 2019
The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to James Peebles for theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology and Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz for the discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star.
Canadian-born cosmologist James Peebles developed theoretical framework for modern understanding of the universe’s history, including cosmic background radiation and dark matter.
Swiss researchers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz, who share the other half of this year's physics prize, in 1995 made the first discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star, 51 Pegasi.
"This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics rewards new understanding of the universe’s structure and history, and the first discovery of a planet orbiting a solar-type star outside our solar system. The discoveries have forever changed our conceptions of the world," the Nobel Prize said on its website.
A British doctor was among the three researchers announced as winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday for their work on how human cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry will be announced on Wednesday.
