NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0310
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0310 |
|
PI: Marie-Eve Naud, University of Montreal, naud@astro.umontreal.ca
Address: Department of Physics, PO Box 6128, Station Centreville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3J7, Canada
CoI: Etienne Artigau, University of Montreal
CoI: Lison Malo, University of Montreal
CoI: Rene Doyon, University of Montreal
CoI: David Lafreniere, University of Montreal
CoI: Christian Marois, Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
CoI: Bruce McIntosh, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
CoI: Travis Barman, Lowell Observatory
CoI: Jennifer Patience, University of Exeter
Title: A Planet Search around Young-associations M dwarfs (PSYM survey)
Abstract:
A comprehensive investigation of the formation and evolution of giant planets
requires a thorough direct imaging search for planets around primaries of all
masses. Published direct imaging surveys have focused on solar-type or more
massive primaries, and nearby young low-mass stars are under-represented in
the samples covered. Using a new Bayesian analysis that takes into account
kinematics and youth indicators as well as a follow-up program, our team
identified new low mass(>K7) members of nearby young(<100 Myr) associations,
thus constituting an ideal sample for direct imaging searches. The PSYM
program, started in 2010, comprises two portions: one with NICI, to search
for self-luminous giant planets at orbital separations of 15-500AU down to 2
Mjup, and one with GMOS photometry, to survey the 100-5000AU region down to
3-5Mjup. Here, we propose to continue the NICI program, adding 21 new
candidates and making the 2nd epoch on 2 others. When finished, our survey
will greatly increase the number of young M-dwarfs probed for planets, which
will allow to place constraints on the existence of planets around such stars
at a level comparable to what has been done for more massive ones.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0310 |
|