NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0470
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0470 |
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PI: Maria Womack, St. Cloud State University, mwomack@stcloudstate.edu
Address: Physics Department, 720 Fourth Ave S, WSB 324, Saint Cloud, MN 56304, USA
CoI: Leo D. Deming, NASA
CoI: Avram Mandell, NASA
Title: Search for water vapor in a super-Earth exoplanet
Abstract:
We propose observations that will identify the nature and thermal
structure in the atmosphere of the recently discovered exoplanet GJ
1214b, whose low mass puts the planet in the category of super-Earths,
and whose relatively small size is consistent with it being water-rich.
Thus, this is our first opportunity to quantify the complex atmosphere
of a super-Earth. Observations with Keck can help determine the most
important question about these planets, such as: 1) Are super-Earths
more closely aligned to large terrestrial planets or small gas giant
planets? and 2) Has a super-Earth with significant water abundance been
discovered?
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 > 2011A-0470 |
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