Formation and evolution of planetary systems: the impact of high-angular resolution optical techniques

Absil, Olivier; Mawet, Dimitri

doi:10.1007/s00159-009-0028-y

Cited by 40 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 255 publications

(292 reference statements)

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“…High-angular resolution deep imaging in the near-infrared maximizes the capability to detect faint circumstellar bodies amid the large brightness of the central star (Absil & Mawet 2010). The first detections of comoving companions with planetary mass were obtained using deep VLT/NaCo infrared imaging with contrasts up to 6-8 mag at >0.5 arcsec separation around very young objects, such as 2MASS J1207334−393254 (Chauvin et al 2004) and AB Pic (Chauvin et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The VLT/NaCo large program to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits

Desidera

Covino

Messina

et al. 2015

A&A

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Context. Young, close stars are ideal targets for searching planets using the direct imaging technique. The determination of stellar parameters is crucial for the interpretation of imaging survey results, particularly since the luminosity of substellar objects has a strong dependence on system age. Aims. We have conducted a large program with NaCo at the VLT to search for planets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits around 86 stars. A large fraction of the targets observed with NaCo were poorly investigated in the literature. We performed a study to characterize the fundamental properties (age, distance, and mass) of the stars in our sample. To improve target age determinations, we compiled and analyzed a complete set of age diagnostics. Methods. We measured spectroscopic parameters and age diagnostics using dedicated observations acquired with FEROS and CORALIE spectrographs at La Silla Observatory. We also made extensive use of archival spectroscopic data and the results that are available in the literature. Additionally, we exploited photometric time-series, which are available in ASAS and Super-WASP archives, to derive a rotational period for a large fraction of our program stars. Results. We provided updated characterization of all the targets observed in the VLT NaCo Large program, a survey designed to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits. The median distance and age of our program stars are 64 pc and 100 Myr, respectively. Nearly all the stars have masses between 0.70 and 1.50 M , with a median value of 1.01 M . The typical metallicity is close to solar with a dispersion that is smaller than that of samples usually observed in radial velocity surveys. Several stars are confirmed or proposed here to be members of close young moving groups. Eight spectroscopic binaries are identified.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The VLT/NaCo large program to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits

Desidera

Covino

Messina

et al. 2015

A&A

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“…Searching for faint companions around bright nearby stars is one of the most challenging goals of today's astronomy (Oppenheimer & Hinkley 2009;Absil & Mawet 2010). This quest for high-dynamic range observations has been spurred for more than a decade by the discovery of more than 500 extrasolar planets in our galactic neighbourhood.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Searching for faint companions with VLTI/PIONIER

Absil

Bouquin

Berger

et al. 2011

A&A

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Context. A new four-telescope interferometric instrument called PIONIER has recently been installed at VLTI. It provides improved imaging capabilities together with high precision. Aims. We search for low-mass companions around a few bright stars using different strategies, and determine the dynamic range currently reachable with PIONIER. Methods. Our method is based on the closure phase, which is the most robust interferometric quantity when searching for faint companions. We computed the χ 2 goodness of fit for a series of binary star models at different positions and with various flux ratios. The resulting χ 2 cube was used to identify the best-fit binary model and evaluate its significance, or to determine upper limits on the companion flux in case of non-detections. Results. No companion is found around Fomalhaut, tau Cet and Regulus. The median upper limits at 3σ on the companion flux ratio are respectively of 2.3 × 10 −3 (in 4 h), 3.5 × 10 −3 (in 3 h) and 5.4 × 10 −3 (in 1.5 h) on the search region extending from 5 to 100 mas. Our observations confirm that the previously detected near-infrared excess emissions around Fomalhaut and tau Cet are not related to a low-mass companion, and instead come from an extended source such as an exozodiacal disk. In the case of del Aqr, in 30 min of observation, we obtain the first direct detection of a previously known companion, at an angular distance of about 40 mas and with a flux ratio of 2.05 × 10 −2 ± 0.16 × 10 −2 . Due to the limited u, v plane coverage, its position can, however, not be unambiguously determined. Conclusions. After only a few months of operation, PIONIER has already achieved one of the best dynamic ranges world-wide for multi-aperture interferometers. A dynamic range up to about 1:500 is demonstrated on unresolved targets, but significant improvements are still required to reach the ultimate goal of directly detecting hot giant extrasolar planets.

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“…Ultimately, the study of disks spanning across the pre-to the post-planet formation phases over a range of stellar masses will help identifying the most profound trends, hence the relevant physics, that are central to planet formation. In this section, we briefly outline the current state-of-theart in spatially resolved observations of circumstellar disks and exoplanets (see also Absil and Mawet, 2010). In particular, we aim at outlining the specific observing methods that are available and the extent to which they can be used to infer the properties of an individual disk or exoplanet.…”

Section: Observing Disks and Exoplanetsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Circumstellar disks and planets

Wolf

Malbet

Alexander

et al. 2012

Astron Astrophys Rev

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We present a review of the interplay between the evolution of circumstellar disks and the formation of planets, both from the perspective of theoretical models and dedicated observations. Based on this, we identify and discuss fundamental questions concerning the formation and evolution of circumstellar disks and planets which can be addressed in the near future with optical and infrared long-baseline interferometers. Furthermore, the importance of complementary observations with long-baseline (sub)millimeter interferometers and high-sensitivity infrared observatories is outlined.

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Formation and evolution of planetary systems: the impact of high-angular resolution optical techniques

Cited by 40 publications

References 255 publications

The VLT/NaCo large program to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits

The VLT/NaCo large program to probe the occurrence of exoplanets and brown dwarfs in wide orbits

Searching for faint companions with VLTI/PIONIER

Circumstellar disks and planets

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