NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2015B-0322

# Program Information for 2015B-0322

PI: Verne V Smith, NOAO, vsmith@noao.edu
Address: 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA

CoI: Katia Cunha, U. of Arizona
CoI: Johanna Teske, Carnegie Institution of Washington
CoI: Steve B Howell, NASA Ames Research Center

Title: Precision Stellar Characterization for Kepler Extended Mission (K2) Exoplanet Host Stars

Abstract: The determination of accurate physical parameters for stars that host exoplanets is a crucial step in characterizing the size and nature of the planets themselves. In addition to the basic stellar parameters of effective temperature (T$_{\rm eff}$), surface gravity (most often characterized by log g), stellar mass (M$_{*}$), and stellar radius (R$_{*}$), the stellar chemical composition is important in understanding any connections between planetary formation and stellar chemistry. The chemical composition of the star reflects the chemistry of the interstellar cloud from which the star and its planets formed, while the abundances of key metals, such as Fe or Si, or the ratio of C/O may affect the nature of the planetary system architecture. This proposal will target exoplanet host-stars discovered by the Kepler Extended Mission (K2) survey and subject them to detailed chemical abundance and stellar parameter analyses. The results will both strengthen constraints on the nature of the planets, as well as the evolutionary history of the planetary system's host star.

Program Type: Standard/NASA WIYN

Scheduled Nights:
Run 1 (2015B):  WIYN/HYDR -- 3n on Sep 09 - Sep 11 2015
Run 2 (2015B):  WIYN/HYDR -- 7n on Dec 26 2015, Dec 29 2015, Jan 21 - Jan 25 2016

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 >   2015B-0322