Confirmation spectroscopy of HATNet transiting exoplanet candidates using Keck-I/HIRES
Abstract
The HATNet project has produced dozens of high quality transiting exoplanet (TEP) candidates around bright (V<13.0) stars. In order to confirm their planetary nature, and perform accurate initial characterization, they require high-precision radial velocity (RV) observations and spectral line bisector analysis. Thirty HATNet TEPs have been published or submitted so far based almost entirely on Keck/HIRES observations; several more have been verified and are in the process of being analyzed, some of these may require additional observations if detailed analysis suggests the presence of additional planets in the system or a non-zero eccentricity, ~26 more need further Keck/HIRES spectra for better characterization leading to final confirmation, and ~17 more are ready for initial HIRES observations. There is a continuous flow of dozens of high quality candidates per semester. To date, 75% of the HIRES time is spent on candidates that are eventually identified as hosting TEPs - representing a very efficient use of Keck. We propose for 4 nights on Keck-I/HIRES for 2011B to finish pending candidates and also to perform a similar analysis on new targets. We are confident that this effort will lead to the announcement of several new bright TEPs.
- Publication:
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NOAO Proposal
- Pub Date:
- August 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011noao.prop..600B