Institute of Astronomy

Low-mass companions to evolved stars

SpeakerTalk DateTalk Series
Andrzej Niedzielski28 July 2014Across HR 2014 Posters

Abstract

Searches for planets around stars beyond MS are important in building a complete picture of planet formation and evolution. First of all the allow to reach to object with masses significantly larger than solar (Sato et al. 2012). Secondly these planetary systems are old and suitable for long-term dynamical stability considerations (Mustil et al. 2014). They are also subject to changes induced by stellar evolution (Villaver & Livio 2007, 2009) and therefore important for studies of stars - planet interactions (e.g. Adamów et al. 2012) and tests of stellar evolution as they may form for example asymmetric planetary nebulae (Harpaz & Soker 1994; Soker 2006). They also carry information on the initial population of planetary systems around White Dwarfs (Farihi et al. 2010). Over 1000 stars are monitored with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope for RV variations since 2004. The sample is composed of evolved low- and intermediate- mass stars: 350 Red Clump Giants, 450 Giants and Subgiants and 250 Evolved Dwarfs. 13 stars with 15 planetary-mass companions have already been already discovered within the project (Niedzielski et al. 2007, 2009a, b; Gettel et al. 2012a, b; Nowak et al. 2013). Another 300 low-mass companions candidates were identified in the sample and are now monitored with several telescopes. I will present in detail the sample, current status and a few new planets from our project which primary goal is to improve our understanding of the evolution of planetary systems around aging stars (Niedzielski et al. 2007; Niedzielski & Wolszczan 2008).

Presentation

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