Computer Science
Scientific paper
Sep 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop.3655d&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #3655
Computer Science
Scientific paper
We propose a small observing program to search nearby hydrogen white dwarfs with metal lines (DAZs) for mid-IR excesses due to dusty disks or substellar companions. At first glance White Dwarfs (WDs) seem to be an unlikely population to search for planets and substellar objects, but recent theoretical and observational research predicts that DAZs are markers for substellar systems and dusty disks. WDs then become an ideal target for ``forensic planetology'', we can infer aspects of planet formation from these ``dead'' systems that span a large range of initial stellar mass. These considerations have motivated us to propose for high contrast imaging searches for faint companions to DAZs in the near-IR with NICMOS on HST. IRAC photometry on SST ideally complements a high spatial resolution search, both by confirming candidate substellar objects already detected by our HST program and by probing deeper at unresolved distances through the detection of mid-IR excesses due to substellar companions. We estimate that 15 M_{jup} companions will be able to be detected as unresolved excesses, and 5-7M_{jup} companions will be able to be detected at spatial separations > 3arcsec. Results from this program will help our understanding of the brown dwarf desert, the frequency and effects of common envelope evolution, planet formation and evolution, and the fraction of stars with planets or habitable planets.
Debes John
Sigurdsson Steinn
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