Mathematics – Probability
Scientific paper
Jan 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009aas...21340210m&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #213, #402.10; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.192
Mathematics
Probability
Scientific paper
The smallest planets discovered to date have been found orbiting smaller type M (Red) dwarfs. These stars are now considered to be very promising targets in the search for transiting exoplanets. Several ground-based transit surveys are focusing on these less luminous targets, using only modest equipment in their search. Much deeper transits can be observed due to the ratio of stellar to planetary radii, when compared to G type Sun-like alternatives, where the size and brightness of the host star make transits of smaller planets comparatively more difficult to detect. M dwarfs also have main sequence lifetimes greater than a Hubble time, which may mean that when "stable” environments form in these systems, they are able to remain so for significant periods of time. An M dwarf Habitable Zone (HZ) is very close to the star (0.1 to 0.35 AU for an M0 star, closer still for smaller stars). This translates to an increased probability that the first transits of Earths and Super-Earths well inside their star system's HZ will be observed orbiting an M Dwarf star.
It is the objective of this paper to identify promising nearby M dwarf targets and to monitor a select few with a modest telescope setup, in order to assess the feasibility of detecting a previously undetected exoplanetary transit. If the exoplanet mass distribution function increases with decreasing planet mass as evidenced to date, and this distribution function is equally applicable to G and M type dwarfs, perhaps there exists a substantial number of "small” transiting M dwarf planets awaiting detection.
No associations
LandOfFree
Planets Transiting Nearby M Dwarfs 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 Planets Transiting Nearby M Dwarfs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Planets Transiting Nearby M Dwarfs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1701120