Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2003-08-23
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.344:1271,2003
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
13 pages, 18 figures, MNRAS accepted 12 June 2003
Scientific paper
10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06901.x
Using improved doppler tomographic signal-analysis techniques we have carried out a deep search for starlight reflected from the giant planet orbiting the star Tau Bootis. We combined echelle spectra secured at the 4.2 m William Herschel telescope in 1998 and 1999 (which yielded a tentative detection of a reflected starlight component from the orbiting companion) with new data obtained in 2000 (which failed to confirm the detection). The combined dataset comprises 893 high resolution spectra with a total integration time of 75 hr 32 min spanning 17 nights. We establish an upper limit on the planet's geometric albedo p<0.39 (at the 99.9 % significance level) at the most probable orbital inclination i=36 degrees, assuming a grey albedo, a Venus-like phase function and a planetary radius R_p=1.2 R_Jup. We are able to rule out some combinations of the predicted planetary radius and atmospheric albedo models with high, reflective cloud decks. Although a weak candidate signal appears near to the most probable radial velocity amplitude, its statistical significance is insufficient for us to claim a detection with any confidence.
Collier Cameron Andrew
Horne Keith
James Dionne
Leigh Catherine
Penny Alan
No associations
LandOfFree
A new upper limit on the reflected starlight from Tau Bootis b 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 A new upper limit on the reflected starlight from Tau Bootis b, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A new upper limit on the reflected starlight from Tau Bootis b will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-248878