NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0066
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0066 |
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PI: Jennifer Patience, University of Exeter, patience@astro.ex.ac.uk
Address: Astrophysics, School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL, United Kingdom
CoI: Robert De Rosa, University of Exeter
CoI: Christian Marois, Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
CoI: Bruce Macintosh, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
CoI: James Graham, UC Berkeley
CoI: Inseok Song, University of Georgia
CoI: Rene Doyon, University of Montreal
CoI: Mike Bessell, Mount Stromlo Observatory
Title: Resolving the A-star Binary Population with Gemini AO
Abstract:
We propose to conclude a search for companions to nearby young A-stars using
the Altair AO system and the NIRI camera. The requested observations,
supplemented by those previously obtained at Gemini-North and other
AO-equipped observatories, will complete a volume limited (D < 75 pc) survey
of A-type stars. The primary goals of this proposal are: (1) a systematic
vetting of candidate targets for future high-contrast extreme AO planet
searches, e.g. the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), and (2) an investigation of A
star binary properties. The results of this systematic survey will detail key
binary statistics for A-stars, i.e. the frequency, mass ratio distribution
and separation distribution, at a level previously measured only for later
spectral types.
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 > 2010A-0066 |
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