Computer Science – Learning
Scientific paper
Jan 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009aas...21331007b&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #213, #310.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.286
Computer Science
Learning
Scientific paper
Transit research forms a critical and very active area of exoplanet research, providing both initial discoveries of planets as well as contributing to their physical characterization. NASA's Exoplanet Forum (Traub et al, this conference) assessed the role of transit research as part of a balanced program. The transit-related components of that program will be discussed in this talk.
Almost everything we know about the physical nature of exoplanets comes from the combination of radial velocity measurements with photometry of primary and secondary transits, and in a few cases with photometry from other orbital phases.
From primary eclipses we are learning about: radius, mass (when combined with radial velocity), bulk composition inferred from mass & radius, atmospheric composition from absorption spectroscopy, unseen planets via timing variations, the relative inclination of stellar and planetary orbital angular momentum vectors via the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect.
From secondary eclipses we are learning about the emergent spectrum of the planet including the presence of molecules, orbit eccentricity, and (eventually) high resolution thermal mapping the disk of the planet.
From measurements at other orbit phases we are measuring longitudinal temperature maps, making inferences concerning zonal winds and (eventually) carrying out spectroscopy of planets at all longitudinal aspects.
Ground-based surveys are yielding dozens of new transiting exoplanets which are presently being characterized as described above with HST, Spitzer and other space assets. A new era in transit research will begin with the launch of Kepler (March 2009) which will survey 150,000 for planets as small as the Earth. JWST will make dramatic new follow-up observations of transiting systems. The Forum report discusses the science of transits and recommends a variety of new space-based and ground-based initiatives.
Beichman Charles Arnold
Ciardi David
Deming Drake
Harrington Joseph
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