Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001hst..prop.9055c&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #9055
Computer Science
Hst Proposal Id #9055 Star Formation
Scientific paper
HD 209458 b is the first extrasolar planet known to transit the disk of its parent star. Precise measurement of both the photometric transit curve and the radial velocity orbit has allowed for an accurate estimation of the mass, radius, average density and surface gravity. We propose to detect directly the gas giant planet orbiting HD 209458 in reflected light by observing the secondary eclipse, i.e. when the planet is occulted by the star. We will use STIS to disperse the stellar flux over a large number of detector pixels. The photometric signal is produced by summing the counts over a desired band. For each of six bands spanning the UV to the near-IR, we will obtain sufficient precision either to detect the planet, or to limit its geometric albedo in each band to less than 0.2. Combining data at all wavelengths, our detection threshold for the average geometric albedo will be 0.08. These data span the wavelengths over which the majority of the stellar flux is emitted. Thus we will quantify the net energy deposited into the planet, the key remaining unknown in comparing the measured planetary radius to theoretical models of its structure and evolutionary history. Furthermore, the measured wavelength-dependent albedo will provide stringent constraints on the numerous atmospheric models for these objects. We should be able to identify the dominant scattering sources, such as Rayleigh scattering and atmospheric silicates.
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