Cahill, Eoin (2019) Spectro-astrometry as a Tool for Detecting Planets in Transitional Disks. Masters thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
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Abstract
The goal of understanding how our solar system formed has been a long standing one.
We have already answered the question \is our solar system unique?" by detecting an
ever-growing population of extra solar planets orbiting stars of many different sizes and
temperatures. It is much easier to detect a large planet that orbits close to its star as
opposed to a smaller, more distant one. This led to the discovery of many Hot-Jupiters
in the initial stages of exoplanet detection, but increased efficiency in both ground and
space-based detection techniques expanded the catalogue of exoplanets to include a
truly diverse range. In order to understand how these planets are formed we need to
investigate planet formation in the earliest stages. Traditional techniques like transit
photometry and the RV method are difficult to apply to these objects due to their
instability, and direct imaging remains difficult to perform. Here we investigate the
possibility of using spectro-astrometry to detect planets around young stars. UVES
spectra of T Cha were obtained with a spectro-astrometric study in mind, and the
technique is also tested by applying it to UVES spectra of HD 142527, a young Herbig
Ae/Be star with a known brown dwarf companion. Chapter 1 covers an introduction
into the topic of star and planet formation, and describes the specific type of star this
project intends to probe: Transitional disk objects. The main four exoplanet detection
techniques currently in use are described, and a discussion of whether they can be
used for detection of exoplanets still in formation accompanies each. Chapter 2 then
describes the technique of spectro-astrometry as it has been used before. We also look
into some of the advantages and disadvantages of using it and how the problem of planet
detection around young stars could be overcome via spectro-astrometric analysis. In
Chapter 3, details of the instrument used for our observations is provided. A description
and discussion of the data reduction process then follows. Several artefacts that were
found in the course of this project are also analysed. Chapter 4 covers results of our
analysis on the T Tauri variable type star, T Chamaeleontis. The aim of the study is to
determine if it is possible to accurately detect the Hx emission from the hypothesised
exoplanet T Chamaeleontis b. No detection was proven, but limits are placed on the
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acc of the exoplanet and the detection limit using spectro-astrometry. In Chapter
5, a bridge between binary detection (of which spectro-astrometry is well established)
and exoplanet detection (of which has not been proven) is presented in the analysis
of HD 142527. HD 142527 is orbited by a 0.13 Mx Very Low-Mass star, which is
around 100 times larger than the expected size of T Chamaeleontis b. Evidence for
a detection is presented and finally discussed. Chapter 6 summarises all results and
conclusions that were found throughout this thesis, and a discussion on the efficacy of
spectro-astrometry as a detection technique for exoplanets around YSOs.
Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
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Keywords: | Spectro-astrometry; Tool; Detecting Planets; Transitional Disks; |
Academic Unit: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > Experimental Physics |
Item ID: | 11016 |
Depositing User: | IR eTheses |
Date Deposited: | 04 Sep 2019 14:57 |
URI: | https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/11016 |
Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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