NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0093
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0093 |
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PI: Markus Janson, University of Toronto, janson@astro.utoronto.ca
Address: Dept. of Astronomy, 60 St George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3H8, Canada
CoI: David Lafreniere, University of Toronto
CoI: Ray Jayawardhana, University of Toronto
CoI: Hans Zinnecker, Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam
Title: Deep high-contrast imaging of an exceptional planet-search target
Abstract: Giant planets appear to be more common around massive stars than around solar-type stars. Such planets can be probed at large separations (a few 10s of AU and outwards) in the main sequence phase of the star with direct imaging, and at small separations (up to a few AU) in the giant phase with radial velocity. Intermediate separations can be reached in the white dwarf phase with direct imaging, though only for quite large planet masses for the typical white dwarf. We propose to perform deep observations of an exceptional white dwarf target, where planetary masses down to 1.4 M_\rm jup can be reached at all relevant separations, using angular differential imaging at Keck. The observations will reach lower companion masses than ever achieved before, in a range where such objects are known to reside. Hence, this short, targeted program will test the ubiquity of massive giant planets around massive stars with unprecedented sensitivity.
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 > 2009B-0093 |
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