Direct Exoplanet/Disk Search Around Young & Nearby Early-Type Stars; The International Deep Planet Survey (IDPS)
Abstract
We propose to continue a deep AO survey for exoplanets around young and close A- and F-type stars using a refined version of the very successful Angular Differential Imaging technique, which distinguishes true companions/disks from artifacts through sidereal rotation. Stars as massive as A- and early F-type stars have been neglected in AO searches, including the Gemini Deep Planet Survey, while radial velocity surveys have reduced sensitivity for such stars. Thus planet/BD formation around more massive stars remains unconstrained. For each target, a two-hour sequence of images will achieve a contrast limit 3-4 magnitudes better than previous surveys made with HST or conventional AO. We will be capable of detecting exoplanets of 5 Jupiter mass at separations of 1.5 arcsec, corresponding to 60 AU for a typical proposed target star. After combining this new A- and F-type star survey with our previous GKM star GDPS survey, we will have, for the first time, a broader picture of the population of massive planets at large semi-major axes around a wide range of spectral type.
- Publication:
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NOAO Proposal
- Pub Date:
- February 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008noao.prop..358M