An Efficient ACS Coronagraphic Survey for Debris Disks around Nearby Stars

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

We propose to finish our Cycle 11 optical survey for nearby debris disks using the ACS/HRC coronagraph. Out of 43 orbits originally proposed for the survey, 23 orbits were allocated, leading to a survey of 22 stars, from which two new debris disks were imaged for the first time. Our analysis of the initial survey gives an empirical estimate for the detection rate of debris disks relative to heliocentric distance and dust optical depth. Our target list for Cycle 15 is now optimized to yield more frequent disk detections. Likewise our observing strategy is improved to maximize sensitivity per telescope orbit allocated. Therefore we present the most efficient survey possible. The scientific motivation is to obtain scattered light images of previously unresolved debris disks to determine their viewing geometry and physical architecture, both of which may characterize the underlying planetary system. We choose 25 debris disk targets for which we predict a detection rate of 25% ? 5%. Four targets have extrasolar planets from which the viewing geometry revealed by a disk detection will resolve the v sini ambiguity in the planet masses. These targets present the remarkable opportunity of finally seeing a debris disk in system with known planets.

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

An Efficient ACS Coronagraphic Survey for Debris Disks around Nearby Stars 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 An Efficient ACS Coronagraphic Survey for Debris Disks around Nearby Stars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Efficient ACS Coronagraphic Survey for Debris Disks around Nearby Stars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1792974

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