Preliminary Astrometric Masses for Proposed Extrasolar Planetary Companions

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

41

Stars: Binaries: Spectroscopic, Stars: Planetary Systems

Scientific paper

As a first step in the implementation of an astrometric survey, we have reduced the Hipparcos intermediate astrometric data (IAD) for 30 stars that currently exhibit small-amplitude periodic radial velocity variations. We consider only systems with periods longer than 10 days, where the motion is attributed to the presence of an ``extrasolar planetary companion'' to the star. While our results are to be used as guidance in the selection of targets for confirmation with the Multichannel Astrometric Photometer and future space-based astrometric missions (e.g., Full-Sky Astrometric Mapping Explorer and Space Interferometry Mission), they have implications for our understanding of these companions. Our initial results from this data set indicate that true, as contrasted with minimum, companion masses range from stellar to astrometric limits that indicate substellar mass; however, only one is near the minimum mass obtained by radial velocity observations. Although our studies should be considered preliminary until additional astrometric data is available, they are suggestive of a characteristic that appears to be common to a significant fraction of these systems: small sini. This, in turn, suggests that the sample of stars that have been examined for possible planetary mass companions may be biased. Moreover, if correct, these results provide a natural explanation for the fact that the orbital properties of these ``extrasolar planets'' are statistically indistinguishable from those of binary stars.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Preliminary Astrometric Masses for Proposed Extrasolar Planetary Companions 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 Preliminary Astrometric Masses for Proposed Extrasolar Planetary Companions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Preliminary Astrometric Masses for Proposed Extrasolar Planetary Companions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1713168

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.