Detecting the elusive low mass companion around epsilon Indi

Details Detecting the elusive low mass companion around epsilon Indi Detecting the elusive low mass companion around epsilon Indi

Jul 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004hst..prop10147e&link_type=abstract

HST Proposal ID #10147

Computer Science

Hst Proposal Id #10147 Cool Stars

Scientific paper

We propose coronagraphic NICMOS observations of the nearby {d = 3.6 pc} K5V star epsilon Indi {HD 209100} to search for the unknown companion which causes a low amplitude radial velocity {RV} trend in our 11 years of precise Doppler measurements. This RV data set places a lower limit of 4.5 AU for the orbital semimajor axis of this companion. Moreover, the fact that the RV trend is lacking any sign of curvature over this long time period clearly points towards a much larger orbital separation. Epsilon Indi also has a T dwarf {binary} companion at a separation of 1400 AU. However, these brown dwarf companions are too distant from the primary to induce the observed RV variation. It is also unlikely that this nearby star has an unknown stellar {M dwarf} companion. The RV signal is thus most probably caused by a yet unknown giant planetary or brown dwarf companion at a separation of more than 5 AU. Because epsilon Indi is so near to the Sun, it constitutes an ideal target for high contrast imaging with NICMOS in its coronagraphic mode. Indeed, NICMOS coronagraphy is capable of detecting objects down to 15 Jupiter masses at separations greater than 2.3 arcseconds {S/N=25} - precisely the separation and mass range indicated by our Doppler spectroscopy. Only 2 orbits of HST/NICMOS observations could directly image the coolest and lowest mass companion ever found around a solar-type star.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Detecting the elusive low mass companion around epsilon Indi does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Detecting the elusive low mass companion around epsilon Indi, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Detecting the elusive low mass companion around epsilon Indi will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1011004