Direct Detection of Planets Orbiting Large Angular Diameter Stars: Sensitivity of an Internally-Occulting Space-Based Coronagraph

Details Direct Detection of Planets Orbiting Large Angular Diameter Stars: Sensitivity of an Internally-Occulting Space-Based Coronagraph Direct Detection of Planets Orbiting Large Angular Diameter Stars: Sensitivity of an Internally-Occulting Space-Based Coronagraph

2009-09-11

arxiv.org/abs/0909.2259v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

ApJ, in press

Scientific paper

High-contrast imaging observations of large angular diameter stars enable complementary science questions to be addressed compared to the baseline goals of proposed missions like the Terrestrial Planet Finder-Coronagraph, New World's Observer, and others. Such targets however present a practical problem in that finite stellar size results in unwanted starlight reaching the detector, which degrades contrast. In this paper, we quantify the sensitivity, in terms of contrast, of an internally-occulting, space-based coronagraph as a function of stellar angular diameter, from unresolved dwarfs to the largest evolved stars. Our calculations show that an assortment of band-limited image masks can accommodate a diverse set of observations to help maximize mission scientific return. We discuss two applications based on the results: the spectro-photometric study of planets already discovered with the radial velocity technique to orbit evolved stars, which we elucidate with the example of Pollux b, and the direct detection of planets orbiting our closest neighbor, Alpha Centauri, whose primary component is on the main-sequence but subtends an appreciable angle on the sky. It is recommended that similar trade studies be performed with other promising internal, external, and hybrid occulter designs for comparison, as there is relevance to a host of interesting topics in planetary science and related fields.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Direct Detection of Planets Orbiting Large Angular Diameter Stars: Sensitivity of an Internally-Occulting Space-Based Coronagraph 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 Direct Detection of Planets Orbiting Large Angular Diameter Stars: Sensitivity of an Internally-Occulting Space-Based Coronagraph, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Direct Detection of Planets Orbiting Large Angular Diameter Stars: Sensitivity of an Internally-Occulting Space-Based Coronagraph will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-476975