Detailed chemical abundance analysis of planet-hosting wide binaries
Abstract
The aim of this proposal is to derive detailed abundances of planet host stars in wide binary systems. These systems are sufficiently wide enough to rule out tidal interactions in the past, and we can observe each star separately. We will obtain very high signal-to-noise (~300) echelle spectra of the planet host star and its binary companion for six systems, and we will compare the detailed abundances of each pair, including refractory and volatile elements, as well as the important element lithium. Each star in a given binary is expected to have the same initial composition, and by directly comparing their present-day abundances, we can study whether planet formation alters the composition of the host star. If we find that there is a chemical signature for planet formation, then this will be a powerful tool for more efficient and focused planet searches.
- Publication:
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NOAO Proposal
- Pub Date:
- February 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012noao.prop..572M