Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jul 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008spie.7013e.161p&link_type=abstract
Optical and Infrared Interferometry. Edited by Schöller, Markus; Danchi, William C.; Delplancke, Françoise. Proceedings of the
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
1
Scientific paper
It is a challenging task to find exoplanets because of the huge contrast between star and planets in mass and in brightness. It is more challenging to determine the masses of exoplanets because it requires extremely high astrometric accuracy. In particular detection of Earth-like planets needs sub-microarcsecond (µas) precision which is possible only by narrow-angle astrometry via the SIM PlanetQuest mission. The narrow-angle observation mode of SIM PlanetQuest requires several distant reference stars, which are close enough in the sky around the target, typically within one degree. This paper provides statistical estimates of available reference stars for all candidate stars in searching for Earth-like planets. It is inevitable that some of reference stars will have binary components and planets. This paper describes the analysis techniques and various error estimates for binary jitters and planet effects of reference stars. Because of the limited number and duration of observations of SIM PlanetQuest, the Monte Carlo simulations indicate that certain long period planets around reference stars may not be detected. Earth-like planets around target stars, however, can be detected unambiguously. Finally, we demonstrate the current best estimates of instrument error, photon noise, reference stars planet disturbance, stellar jitters, etc., and conclude that the orbits of Earth-like planets with sub-μas astrometric signatures can be determined accurately by SIM PlanetQuest for nearby candidate stars.
Pan Xiaopei
Shao Michael
No associations
LandOfFree
Analysis of planet effect of reference star on searching for Earth-like planets 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 Analysis of planet effect of reference star on searching for Earth-like planets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Analysis of planet effect of reference star on searching for Earth-like planets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-790694