K-KIDS: Radial Velocity Search of Closest Companions to K Dwarfs within 25 pc with the CHIRON Spectrograph at the CTIO/SMARTS 1.5m
Abstract
The K-KIDS project is a large effort to study comprehensively a sample of nearby K dwarfs and their companions. We have carefully vetted an equatorial sample (+30 to -30 declination) up to an horizon of 50 pc away, aiming to detect companions of stellar, sub-stellar and planetary nature, in separations ranging from 10 000 AU to 0.2 AU with four different techniques. In this work, we present the results of the companion search on the K dwarfs up to 25 pc. A total of 304 K dwarfs have been compiled, using astrometric data from Gaia DR2, and photometric data from Tycho-2, Gaia DR2 and 2MASS, to search for their closest companions using the radial velocity time series technique. We have use CHIRON Spectrograph at CTIO 1.5m Telescope to monitor 104 K dwarfs that did not had high precision radial velocity coverage before, which up to date, corresponds to the remaining third not covered by other surveys conducted with similar precision capabilities. Within one year ongoing survey, we have obtained radial velocities measurements with a precision down to 5 m/s for K dwarfs between V magnitudes 7.0-11.5, and we have found 35 K dwarfs with radial velocity perturbations consistent with companions. We add to our work, results from previous searches published until now, to evaluate the current status of K dwarf systems within 25 pc. In addition, we highlight the exceptional efficiency and stability of CHIRON Spectrograph to carry our reconnaissance survey as well as for precise follow up for planet confirmation. Ultimately, the combination of the ongoing radial velocity survey and other three imaging surveys will provide an unprecedented portrait of K dwarfs and their kids. This effort has been supported by the NSF through AST-1517413 grant, and via observations made possible by the SMARTS Consortium.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #233
- Pub Date:
- January 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AAS...23325934P