NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2008B-0269
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2008B-0269 |
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PI: Christopher J Burke, STScI, cjburke@stsci.edu
Address: Science Division, 3700 San Martin Dr., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
CoI: Peter McCullough, STScI
Title: Survey of XO-2 for an Earth-sized Planet
Abstract: We propose to survey XO-2, the stellar host to the transiting Hot Jupiter planet XO-2b, for an additional Earth-sized transiting planet using 13 nights on WIYN with OPTIC. These observations will have >90% probability to detect more than two transit events at 4-\sigma each of an Earth-sized planet orbiting at the interior 2:1 resonance with XO-2b. In addition, a full transit and 1-2 partial transits of XO- 2b during the observations will enable accurate (8-4 s) transit timing measurements and refinement of the XO-2b planet properties. Observations at the expected precision will demonstrate the feasibility for ground based detection of Earth-sized transiting planets orbiting close-in to Solar type stars. By testing for the existence of a close- in Earth-sized planet in the XO-2 system, we will constrain the efficiency that material is shepherded interior to inward migrating Jupiter-sized planets and forms additional smaller planets.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2008B-0269 |
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