Other
Scientific paper
Jul 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009hst..prop12303g&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #12303. Cycle 18
Other
Scientific paper
We propose to carry out FUV spectrophotometry with COS/HST for an in-depth study of the chromosphere & transition region {TR} of the solar twin 18 Sco. This 5th mag G2 V star is an important star as a nearly perfect match to the Sun and is known as the "Closest-ever Solar Twin" {Porto de Mello & da Silva 1997}. 18 Sco has nearly identical physical properties {e.g. SpType, Mass, Teff, L, R, log g, [Fe/H], Ca II HK, Lx, rotation, etc.} to the Sun. Recent studies of Ca II HK emission from Lowell Observatory {J. Hall, priv. comm.} indicate Ca II emissions are close to the Sun's and undergo a solar-like 7-11 yr magnetic activity cycle. The proposed observations {using two consecutive HST orbits} are a crucial part of our ongoing "Sun in Time" program of solar-type stars across the electromagnetic spectra. We are proposing to utilize the enhanced FUV sensitivity of HST/COS {with the G 130M/G 160M elements} to obtain high S/N medium resolution, FUV {1150-1750Ì?} spectrophotometry of the only remaining unexplored spectral region of this important star. The FUV region contains many crucial chromospheric and TR emission diagnostics including C III 1175A, Si III 1206A, Ly-a 1215A, N V 1240A, OI 1305A, C II 1335A, Si IV 1400A, C IV 1550A, He II 1640A, C I 1660A as well as many other weaker emissions. These line emissions originate from plasmas from 8,000 K to 300,000 K, and are vital for understanding the star's magnetically heated chromosphere and TR. We plan to analyze this spectrum to determine the physical properties of 18 Sco's corona, TR and chromosphere and, importantly, to compare these line strengths and ratios to the corresponding FUV line emissions of the Sun {e.g. SUSIM, SOLSTICE} at a similar magnetic activity phase.This study provides an important check on the magnetic behavior of our present Sun and solar like stars. For example, is our Sun "normal" for its age and mass? If confirmed as a precise match to our Sun {and the data obtained thus far look like it is}, 18 Sco would be important for follow-up studies in asteroseismology, extrasolar planet searches, and could serve as a surrogate for the "Night-Time Sun.Ó In addition, as noted by Turnbull {2004}, 18 Sco is one of the most promising nearby candidates for hosting life based on analysis of the HabCat list of stars. In spite of extensive observations at many other wavelengths, the best yet solar twin - 18 Sco - has not been observed in the FUV region where the most powerful diagnostic emission lines are located. With the planned COS spectroscopy, we will at long last complete the spectral coverage of this important solar twin.;
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