1,923 research outputs found
First light of the VLT planet finder SPHERE IV. Physical and chemical properties of the planet around HR8799
Context. The system of fourplanets discovered around the intermediate-mass star HR8799 offers a unique opportunity to test planet formation theories at large orbital radii and to probe the physics and chemistry at play in the atmospheres of self-luminous young (~30 Myr) planets. We recently obtained new photometry of the four planets and low-resolution (R ~ 30) spectra of HR8799 d and e with the SPHERE instrument (Paper III).
Aims. In this paper (Paper IV), we aim to use these spectra and available photometry to determine how they compare to known objects, what the planet physical properties are, and how their atmospheres work.
Methods. We compare the available spectra, photometry, and spectral energy distribution (SED) of the planets to field dwarfs and young companions. In addition, we use the extinction from corundum, silicate (enstatite and forsterite), or iron grains likely to form in the atmosphere of the planets to try to better understand empirically the peculiarity of their spectrophotometric properties. To conclude, we use three sets of atmospheric models (BT-SETTL14, Cloud-AE60, Exo-REM) to determine which ingredients are critically needed in the models to represent the SED of the objects, and to constrain their atmospheric parameters (T_(eff), log g, M/H).
Results. We find that HR8799d and e properties are well reproduced by those of L6-L8 dusty dwarfs discovered in the field, among which some are candidate members of young nearby associations. No known object reproduces well the properties of planets b and c. Nevertheless, we find that the spectra and WISE photometry of peculiar and/or young early-T dwarfs reddened by submicron grains made of corundum, iron, enstatite, or forsterite successfully reproduce the SED of these planets. Our analysis confirms that only the Exo-REM models with thick clouds fit (within 2σ) the whole set of spectrophotometric datapoints available for HR8799 d and e for T_(eff) = 1200 K, log g in the range 3.0−4.5, and M/H = +0.5. The models still fail to reproduce the SED of HR8799c and b. The determination of the metallicity, log g, and cloud thickness are degenerate.
Conclusions. Our empirical analysis and atmospheric modelling show that an enhanced content in dust and decreased CIA of H_2 is certainly responsible for the deviation of the properties of the planet with respect to field dwarfs. The analysis suggests in addition that HR8799c and b have later spectral types than the two other planets, and therefore could both have lower masses
Interpreting the photometry and spectroscopy of directly imaged planets: a new atmospheric model applied to beta Pictoris b and SPHERE observations
We aim to interpret future photometric and spectral measurements from these
instruments, in terms of physical parameters of the planets, with an
atmospheric model using a minimal number of assumptions and parameters.
We developed Exoplanet Radiative-convective Equilibrium Model (Exo-REM) to
analyze the photometric and spectro- scopic data of directly imaged planets.
The input parameters are a planet's surface gravity (g), effective temperature
(Teff ), and elemental composition. The model predicts the equilibrium
temperature profile and mixing ratio profiles of the most important gases.
Opacity sources include the H2-He collision-induced absorption and molecular
lines from eight compounds (including CH4 updated with the Exomol line list).
Absorption by iron and silicate cloud particles is added above the expected
condensation levels with a fixed scale height and a given optical depth at some
reference wavelength. Scattering was not included at this stage.
We applied Exo-REM to photometric and spectral observations of the planet
beta Pictoris b obtained in a series of near-IR filters. We derived Teff = 1550
+- 150 K, log(g) = 3.5 +- 1, and radius R = 1.76 +- 0.24 RJup (2-{\sigma} error
bars from photometric measurements). These values are comparable to those found
in the literature, although with more conservative error bars, consistent with
the model accuracy. We were able to reproduce, within error bars, the J- and
H-band spectra of beta Pictoris b. We finally investigated the precision to
which the above parameterComment: 15 pages, 14 figures, accepted by A&
High resolution imaging of young M-type stars of the solar neighborhood: Probing the existence of companions down to the mass of Jupiter
Context. High contrast imaging is a powerful technique to search for gas
giant planets and brown dwarfs orbiting at separation larger than several AU.
Around solar-type stars, giant planets are expected to form by core accretion
or by gravitational instability, but since core accretion is increasingly
difficult as the primary star becomes lighter, gravitational instability would
be the a probable formation scenario for yet-to-be-found distant giant planets
around a low-mass star. A systematic survey for such planets around M dwarfs
would therefore provide a direct test of the efficiency of gravitational
instability. Aims. We search for gas giant planets orbiting around late-type
stars and brown dwarfs of the solar neighborhood. Methods. We obtained deep
high resolution images of 16 targets with the adaptive optic system of VLT-NACO
in the Lp band, using direct imaging and angular differential imaging. This is
currently the largest and deepest survey for Jupiter-mass planets around
Mdwarfs. We developed and used an integrated reduction and analysis pipeline to
reduce the images and derive our 2D detection limits for each target. The
typical contrast achieved is about 9 magnitudes at 0.5" and 11 magnitudes
beyond 1". For each target we also determine the probability of detecting a
planet of a given mass at a given separation in our images. Results. We derived
accurate detection probabilities for planetary companions, taking into account
orbital projection effects, with in average more than 50% probability to detect
a 3MJup companion at 10AU and a 1.5MJup companion at 20AU, bringing strong
constraints on the existence of Jupiter-mass planets around this sample of
young M-dwarfs.Comment: Accepted for publication in A&
Telluric correction in the near-infrared: Standard star or synthetic transmission?
Context. The atmospheric absorption of the Earth is an important limiting
factor for ground-based spectroscopic observations and the near-infrared and
infrared regions are the most affected. Several software packages that produce
a synthetic atmospheric transmission spectrum have been developed to correct
for the telluric absorption; these are Molecfit, TelFit, and TAPAS. Aims. Our
goal is to compare the correction achieved using these three telluric
correction packages and the division by a telluric standard star. We want to
evaluate the best method to correct near-infrared high-resolution spectra as
well as the limitations of each software package and methodology. Methods. We
applied the telluric correction methods to CRIRES archival data taken in the J
and K bands. We explored how the achieved correction level varies depending on
the atmospheric T-P profile used in the modelling, the depth of the atmospheric
lines, and the molecules creating the absorption. Results. We found that the
Molecfit and TelFit corrections lead to smaller residuals for the water lines.
The standard star method corrects best the oxygen lines. The Molecfit package
and the standard star method corrections result in global offsets always below
0.5% for all lines; the offset is similar with TelFit and TAPAS for the H2O
lines and around 1% for the O2 lines. All methods and software packages result
in a scatter between 3% and 7% inside the telluric lines. The use of a tailored
atmospheric profile for the observatory leads to a scatter two times smaller,
and the correction level improves with lower values of precipitable water
vapour. Conclusions. The synthetic transmission methods lead to an improved
correction compared to the standard star method for the water lines in the J
band with no loss of telescope time, but the oxygen lines were better corrected
by the standard star method.Comment: 18 pages, 13 figures, Accepted to A&
Sparse aperture masking at the VLT II. Detection limits for the eight debris disks stars Pic, AU Mic, 49 Cet, Tel, Fomalhaut, g Lup, HD181327 and HR8799
Context. The formation of planetary systems is a common, yet complex
mechanism. Numerous stars have been identified to possess a debris disk, a
proto-planetary disk or a planetary system. The understanding of such formation
process requires the study of debris disks. These targets are substantial and
particularly suitable for optical and infrared observations. Sparse Aperture
masking (SAM) is a high angular resolution technique strongly contributing to
probe the region from 30 to 200 mas around the stars. This area is usually
unreachable with classical imaging, and the technique also remains highly
competitive compared to vortex coronagraphy. Aims. We aim to study debris disks
with aperture masking to probe the close environment of the stars. Our goal is
either to find low mass companions, or to set detection limits. Methods. We
observed eight stars presenting debris disks ( Pictoris, AU
Microscopii, 49 Ceti, Telescopii, Fomalhaut, g Lupi, HD181327 and
HR8799) with SAM technique on the NaCo instrument at the VLT. Results. No close
companions were detected using closure phase information under 0.5 of
separation from the parent stars. We obtained magnitude detection limits that
we converted to Jupiter masses detection limits using theoretical isochrones
from evolutionary models. Conclusions. We derived upper mass limits on the
presence of companions in the area of few times the diffraction limit of the
telescope around each target star.Comment: 7 pages, All magnitude detection limits maps are only available in
electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr
(130.79.128.5
A library of near-infrared integral field spectra of young M-L dwarfs
We present a library of near-infrared (1.1-2.45 microns) medium-resolution
(R~1500-2000) integral field spectra of 15 young M6-L0 dwarfs, composed of
companions with known ages and of isolated objects. We use it to (re)derive the
NIR spectral types, luminosities and physical parameters of the targets, and to
test (BT-SETTL, DRIFT-PHOENIX) atmospheric models. We derive infrared spectral
types L0+-1, L0+-1, M9.5+-0.5, M9.5+-0.5, M9.25+-0.25, M8+0.5-0.75, and
M8.5+-0.5 for AB Pic b, Cha J110913-773444, USco CTIO 108B, GSC 08047-00232 B,
DH Tau B, CT Cha b, and HR7329B, respectively. BT-SETTL and DRIFT-PHOENIX
models yield close Teff and log g estimates for each sources. The models seem
to evidence a 600-300+600 K drop of the effective temperature at the M-L
transition. Assuming the former temperatures are correct, we derive new mass
estimates which confirm that DH Tau B, USco CTIO 108B, AB Pic b, KPNO Tau 4,
OTS 44, and Cha1109 lay inside or at the boundary of the planetary mass range.
We combine the empirical luminosities of the M9.5-L0 sources to the Teff to
derive semi-empirical radii estimates that do not match "hot-start"
evolutionary models predictions at 1-3 Myr. We use complementary data to
demonstrate that atmospheric models are able to reproduce the combined optical
and infrared spectral energy distribution, together with the near-infrared
spectra of these sources simultaneously. But the models still fail to represent
the dominant features in the optical. This issue casts doubts on the ability of
these models to predict correct effective temperatures from near-infrared
spectra alone. We advocate the use of photometric and spectroscopic data
covering a broad range of wavelengths to study the properties of very low mass
young companions to be detected with the planet imagers (Subaru/SCExAO,
LBT/LMIRCam, Gemini/GPI, VLT/SPHERE).Comment: 27 pages, 14 tables, 19 figures, accepted for publication in
Astronomy & Astrophysic
Observation of resonant interactions among surface gravity waves
We experimentally study resonant interactions of oblique surface gravity
waves in a large basin. Our results strongly extend previous experimental
results performed mainly for perpendicular or collinear wave trains. We
generate two oblique waves crossing at an acute angle, while we control their
frequency ratio, steepnesses and directions. These mother waves mutually
interact and give birth to a resonant wave whose properties (growth rate,
resonant response curve and phase locking) are fully characterized. All our
experimental results are found in good quantitative agreement with four-wave
interaction theory with no fitting parameter. Off-resonance experiments are
also reported and the relevant theoretical analysis is conducted and validated.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figure
A survey of young, nearby, and dusty stars to understand the formation of wide-orbit giant planets
Direct imaging has confirmed the existence of substellar companions on wide
orbits. To understand the formation and evolution mechanisms of these
companions, the full population properties must be characterized. We aim at
detecting giant planet and/or brown dwarf companions around young, nearby, and
dusty stars. Our goal is also to provide statistics on the population of giant
planets at wide-orbits and discuss planet formation models. We report a deep
survey of 59 stars, members of young stellar associations. The observations
were conducted with VLT/NaCo at L'-band (3.8 micron). We used angular
differential imaging to reach optimal detection performance. A statistical
analysis of about 60 % of the young and southern A-F stars closer than 65 pc
allows us to derive the fraction of giant planets on wide orbits. We use
gravitational instability models and planet population synthesis models
following the core-accretion scenario to discuss the occurrence of these
companions. We resolve and characterize new visual binaries and do not detect
any new substellar companion. The survey's median detection performance reaches
contrasts of 10 mag at 0.5as and 11.5 mag at 1as. We find the occurrence of
planets to be between 10.8-24.8 % at 68 % confidence level assuming a uniform
distribution of planets in the interval 1-13 Mj and 1-1000 AU. Considering the
predictions of formation models, we set important constraints on the occurrence
of massive planets and brown dwarf companions that would have formed by GI. We
show that this mechanism favors the formation of rather massive clump (Mclump >
30 Mj) at wide (a > 40 AU) orbits which might evolve dynamically and/or
fragment. For the population of close-in giant planets that would have formed
by CA, our survey marginally explore physical separations (<20 AU) and cannot
constrain this population
Search for cool giant exoplanets around young and nearby stars - VLT/NaCo near-infrared phase-coronagraphic and differential imaging
[Abridged] Context. Spectral differential imaging (SDI) is part of the
observing strategy of current and future high-contrast imaging instruments. It
aims to reduce the stellar speckles that prevent the detection of cool planets
by using in/out methane-band images. It attenuates the signature of off-axis
companions to the star, such as angular differential imaging (ADI). However,
this attenuation depends on the spectral properties of the low-mass companions
we are searching for. The implications of this particularity on estimating the
detection limits have been poorly explored so far. Aims. We perform an imaging
survey to search for cool (Teff<1000-1300 K) giant planets at separations as
close as 5-10 AU. We also aim to assess the sensitivity limits in SDI data
taking the photometric bias into account. This will lead to a better view of
the SDI performance. Methods. We observed a selected sample of 16 stars (age <
200 Myr, d < 25 pc) with the phase-mask coronagraph, SDI, and ADI modes of
VLT/NaCo. Results. We do not detect any companions. As for the sensitivity
limits, we argue that the SDI residual noise cannot be converted into mass
limits because it represents a differential flux, unlike the case of
single-band images. This results in degeneracies for the mass limits, which may
be removed with the use of single-band constraints. We instead employ a method
of directly determining the mass limits. The survey is sensitive to cool giant
planets beyond 10 AU for 65% and 30 AU for 100% of the sample. Conclusions. For
close-in separations, the optimal regime for SDI corresponds to SDI flux ratios
>2. According to the BT-Settl model, this translates into Teff<800 K. The
methods described here can be applied to the data interpretation of SPHERE. We
expect better performance with the dual-band imager IRDIS, thanks to more
suitable filter characteristics and better image quality.Comment: 19 pages, 16 figures, accepted for publication in A&A, version
including language editin
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