Homogeneous Characterization of Transiting Exoplanet Systems

Y. Gómez Maqueo Chew, F. Faedi, L. Hebb, D. Pollacco, K. G. Stassun, S. C. C. Barros, L. Ghezzi, B. Smalley, P. Cargile, N. C. Santos, S. G. Sousa, C. Mack, A. P. Doyle

Abstract.
We present the analysis of an homogeneous set of high resolution (R > 40,000), high signal-to-noise (S/N > 150) spectra for a large and diverse sample of stars with transiting planets. We consistently derive stellar parameters such as Teff , [Fe/H], log g, and v sin i by using different spectral characterization tools to derive the best parameters with formal and systematic uncertainties. By means of our homogeneous analysis of this high-quality dataset, we are able to investigate any systematic uncertainties on the derived stellar properties, and consequently, on the planetary properties derived from the iterative combination of our spectral analysis with the best available radial velocity data and transit photometry. The resulting consistent set of physical properties allows us to further explore known correlations, e.g., core-size of the planet and stellar metallicity, and to newly identify subtle relationships providing insight into our understanding of planetary formation, structure, and evolution. Our pilot study analyzing our WASP-13 HIRES spectrum (R 48 000, S/N>150) in combination with high precision light curves shows an improvement in the precision of the stellar parameters of 60% in Teff , 75% in [Fe/H], 82% in the stellar mass, and 73% in the stellar radius, which translates into a 64% improvement in the precision of the planetary radius, and more than 2% on the planetary mass, relative to the discovery paper's values.

219th American Astronomical Society Meeting
Austin, TX, U.S.A.
janeiro 2012

Tipo: Poster