| 1. |
- Bonnefoy, M., et al.
(författare)
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The GJ 504 system revisited Combining interferometric, radial velocity, and high contrast imaging data
- 2018
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 618
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The G-type star GJ504A is known to host a 3-35 M-Jup companion whose temperature, mass, and projected separation all contribute to making it a test case for planet formation theories and atmospheric models of giant planets and light brown dwarfs. Aims. We aim at revisiting the system age, architecture, and companion physical and chemical properties using new complementary interferometric, radial-velocity, and high-contrast imaging data. Methods. We used the CHARA interferometer to measure GJ504A's angular diameter and obtained an estimation of its radius in combination with the HIPPARCOS parallax. The radius was compared to evolutionary tracks to infer a new independent age range for the system. We collected dual imaging data with IRDIS on VLT/SPHERE to sample the near-infrared (1.02-2.25 mu m) spectral energy distribution (SED) of the companion. The SED was compared to five independent grids of atmospheric models (petitCODE, Exo-REM, BT-SETTL, Morley et al., and ATMO) to infer the atmospheric parameters of GJ 504b and evaluate model-to-model systematic errors. In addition, we used a specific model grid exploring the effect of different C/O ratios. Contrast limits from 2011 to 2017 were combined with radial velocity data of the host star through the MESS2 tool to define upper limits on the mass of additional companions in the system from 0.01 to 100 au. We used an MCMC fitting tool to constrain the companion's orbital parameters based on the measured astrometry, and dedicated formation models to investigate its origin. Results. We report a radius of 1.35 +/- 0.04 R-circle dot for GJ504A. The radius yields isochronal ages of 21 +/- 2 Myr or 4.0 +/- 1.8 Gyr for the system and line-of-sight stellar rotation axis inclination of 162.4(-4.3)(+3.8) degrees or 18.6(-3.8)(+4.3) degrees. We re-detect the companion in the Y2, Y3, J3, H2, and K1 dual-band images. The complete 1-4 mu m SED shape of GJ504b is best reproduced by T8-T9.5 objects with intermediate ages (<= 1.5Gyr), and/or unusual dusty atmospheres and/or super-solar metallicities. All atmospheric models yield T-eff = 550 +/- 50 K for GJ504b and point toward a low surface gravity (3.5-4.0 dex). The accuracy on the metallicity value is limited by model-to-model systematics; it is not degenerate with the C/O ratio. We derive log L/L-circle dot = 6.15 +/- 0.15 dex for the companion from the empirical analysis and spectral synthesis. The luminosity and T-eff yield masses of M = 1.3(-0.3)(+0.6) M-Jup and M = 23(-9)(+10) M-Jup for the young and old age ranges, respectively. The semi-major axis (sma) is above 27.8 au and the eccentricity is lower than 0.55. The posterior on GJ 504b's orbital inclination suggests a misalignment with the rotation axis of GJ 504A. We exclude additional objects (90% prob.) more massive than 2.5 and 30 M-Jup with semi-major axes in the range 0.01-80 au for the young and old isochronal ages, respectively. Conclusions. The mass and semi-major axis of GJ 504b are marginally compatible with a formation by disk-instability if the system is 4 Gyr old. The companion is in the envelope of the population of planets synthesized with our core-accretion model. Additional deep imaging and spectroscopic data with SPHERE and JWST should help to confirm the possible spin-orbit misalignment and refine the estimates on the companion temperature, luminosity, and atmospheric composition.
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| 2. |
- Chauvin, G., et al.
(författare)
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Discovery of a warm, dusty giant planet around HIP 65426
- 2017
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 605
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. The SHINE program is a high-contrast near-infrared survey of 600 young, nearby stars aimed at searching for and characterizing new planetary systems using VLT/SPHERE's unprecedented high-contrast and high-angular-resolution imaging capabilities. It is also intended to place statistical constraints on the rate, mass and orbital distributions of the giant planet population at large orbits as a function of the stellar host mass and age to test planet-formation theories.Methods. We used the IRDIS dual-band imager and the IFS integral field spectrograph of SPHERE to acquire high-contrast coronagraphic differential near-infrared images and spectra of the young A2 star HIP 65426. It is a member of the similar to 17 Myr old Lower Centaurus-Crux association. Results. At a separation of 830 mas (92 au projected) from the star, we detect a faint red companion. Multi-epoch observations confirm that it shares common proper motion with HIP 65426. Spectro-photometric measurements extracted with IFS and IRDIS between 0.95 and 2.2 mu m indicate a warm, dusty atmosphere characteristic of young low-surface-gravity L5-L7 dwarfs. Hot-start evolutionary models predict a luminosity consistent with a 6-12 M-Jup, T-eff = 1300-1600K and R = 1.5 +/- 0.1 R-Jup giant planet. Finally, the comparison with Exo-REM and PHOENIX BT-Settl synthetic atmosphere models gives consistent effective temperatures but with slightly higher surface gravity solutions of log(g) = 4.0-5.0 with smaller radii (1.0-1.3 R-Jup).Conclusions. Given its physical and spectral properties, HIP 65426 b occupies a rather unique placement in terms of age, mass, and spectral-type among the currently known imaged planets. It represents a particularly interesting case to study the presence of clouds as a function of particle size, composition, and location in the atmosphere, to search for signatures of non-equilibrium chemistry, and finally to test the theory of planet formation and evolution.
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| 3. |
- Cheetham, A., et al.
(författare)
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Discovery of a brown dwarf companion to the star HIP 64892
- 2018
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 615
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report the discovery of a bright, brown dwarf companion to the star HIP 64892, imaged with VLT/SPHERE during the SHINE exoplanet survey. The host is a B9.5V member of the Lower-Centaurus-Crux subgroup of the Scorpius Centaurus OB association. The measured angular separation of the companion (1.2705 +/- 0.0023) corresponds to a projected distance of 159 +/- 12AU. We observed the target with the dual-band imaging and long-slit spectroscopy modes of the IRDIS imager to obtain its spectral energy distribution (SED) and astrometry. In addition, we reprocessed archival NACO L-band data, from which we also recover the companion. Its SED is consistent with a young (<30 Myr), low surface gravity object with a spectral type of M9 gamma +/- 1. From comparison with the BT-Settl atmospheric models we estimate an effective temperature of T-eff = 2600 +/- 100 K, and comparison of the companion photometry to the COND evolutionary models yields a mass of similar to 29-37 M-J at the estimated age of 16(-7)(+15) Myr for the system. The star HIP 64892 is a rare example of an extreme-mass ratio system (q similar to 0.01) and will be useful for testing models relating to the formation and evolution of such low-mass objects.
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| 4. |
- Ginski, C., et al.
(författare)
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An extended scattered light disk around AT Pyx. Possible planet formation in a cometary globule
- 2022
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 662
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. To understand how the multitude of planetary systems that have been discovered come to be, we need to study systems at different evolutionary stages, with different central stars but also in different environments. The most challenging environment for planet formation may be the harsh UV radiation field of nearby massive stars which quickly erodes disks by external photo-evaporation. We observed the AT Pyx system, located in the head of a cometary globule in the Gum Nebula, to search for signs of ongoing planet formation.Methods. We used the extreme adaptive optics imager VLT/SPHERE in Dual Beam Polarization Imaging Mode in H-band as well as in IRDIFS Extended mode (K12-band imaging and Y-H integral field spectroscopy) to observe AT Pyx in polarized light and total intensity. Additionally, we employed VLT/NACO to observe the system in the L-band.Results. We resolve the disk around AT Pyx for the first time in scattered light across multiple wavelengths in polarized light and total intensity. We find an extended (≥126 au) disk, with an intermediate inclination of between 35° and 42°. The disk shows a complex substructure and we identify two or possibly three spiral-like features. Depending on the precise geometry of the disk (which we cannot unambiguously infer from our data), the disk may be eccentric with an eccentricity of ~0.16 or partially self-shadowed. The spiral features and possible eccentricity are both consistent with signatures of an embedded gas giant planet with a mass of ~1 MJup. Our own observations can rule out brown dwarf companions embedded in the resolved disk, but are nevertheless not sensitive enough to confirm or rule out the presence of a gas giant.Conclusions. AT Pyx is the first disk to be spatially resolved in a cometary globule in the Gum Nebula. By comparison with disks in the Orion Nebula Cluster we note that the extension of the disk may be exceptional for this environment if the external UV radiation field is indeed comparable to other cometary globules in the region. The signposts of ongoing planet formation are intriguing and need to be followed up with either higher sensitivity or at different wavelengths.
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| 5. |
- Lagrange, A. -M., et al.
(författare)
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A narrow, edge-on disk resolved around HD 106906 with SPHERE
- 2016
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 586
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. HD 106906AB is the only young binary system so far around which a planet has been imaged and a debris disk has been shown to exist, thanks to a strong IR excess. As such, it represents a unique opportunity for studying the dynamics of young planetary systems. Aims. We aim at further investigating the close (tens of au scales) environment of the HD 106906AB system. Methods. We used the extreme adaptive-optics-fed, high-contrast imager SPHERE that has recently been installed on the VLT to observe HD 106906. Both the IRDIS imager and the Integral Field Spectrometer were used. Results. We discovered a highly inclined, ring-like disk at a distance of 65 au from the star. The disk shows a strong brightness asymmetry with respect to its semi-major axis. It shows a smooth outer edge, compatible with ejection of small grains by the stellar radiation pressure. We show furthermore that the planet's projected position is significantly above the PA of the disk. Given the determined disk inclination, it is not excluded, however, that the planet could still orbit within the disk plane if at a large separation (2000 3000 au). We identified several additional point sources in the SPHERE /IRDIS field of view that appear to be background objects. We compare this system with other debris disks sharing similarities, and we briefly discuss the present results in the framework of dynamical evolution.
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| 6. |
- Langlois, M., et al.
(författare)
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First scattered light detection of a nearly edge-on transition disk around the T Tauri star RY Lupi
- 2018
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 614
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Transition disks are considered sites of ongoing planet formation, and their dust and gas distributions could be signposts of embedded planets. The transition disk around the T Tauri star RY Lup has an inner dust cavity and displays a strong silicate emission feature. Aims. Using high-resolution imaging we study the disk geometry, including non-axisymmetric features, and its surface dust grain, to gain a better understanding of the disk evolutionary process. Moreover, we search for companion candidates, possibly connected to the disk. Methods. We obtained high-contrast and high angular resolution data in the near-infrared with the VLT/SPHERE extreme adaptive optics instrument whose goal is to study the planet formation by detecting and characterizing these planets and their formation environments through direct imaging. We performed polarimetric imaging of the RY Lup disk with IRDIS (at 1.6 mu m), and obtained intensity images with the IRDIS dual-band imaging camera simultaneously with the IFS spectro-imager (0.9-1.3 mu m). Results. We resolved for the first time the scattered light from the nearly edge-on circumstellar disk around RY Lup, at projected separations in the 100 au range. The shape of the disk and its sharp features are clearly detectable at wavelengths ranging from 0.9 to 1.6 mu m. We show that the observed morphology can be interpreted as spiral arms in the disk. This interpretation is supported by in-depth numerical simulations. We also demonstrate that these features can be produced by one planet interacting with the disk. We also detect several point sources which are classified as probable background objects.
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| 7. |
- Ligi, R., et al.
(författare)
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Investigation of the inner structures around HD 169142 with VLT/SPHERE
- 2018
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Ingår i: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 473:2, s. 1774-1783
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present observations of the Herbig Ae star HD 169142 with the VLT/SPHERE instruments InfraRed Dual-band Imager and Spectrograph (IRDIS) (K1K2 and H2H3 bands) and the Integral Field Spectrograph (IFS) (Y, J and H bands). We detect several bright blobs at similar to 180 mas separation from the star, and a faint arc-like structure in the IFS data. Our reference differential imaging (RDI) data analysis also finds a bright ring at the same separation. We show, using a simulation based on polarized light data, that these blobs are actually part of the ring at 180 mas. These results demonstrate that the earlier detections of blobs in the H and K-S bands at these separations in Biller et al. as potential planet/substellar companions are actually tracing a bright ring with a Keplerian motion. Moreover, we detect in the images an additional bright structure at similar to 93 mas separation and position angle of 355 degrees, at a location very close to previous detections. It appears point-like in the YJ and K bands but is more extended in the H band. We also marginally detect an inner ring in the RDI data at similar to 100 mas. Follow-up observations are necessary to confirm the detection and the nature of this source and structure.
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| 8. |
- Maire, A-L, et al.
(författare)
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Hint of curvature in the orbital motion of the exoplanet 51 Eridani b using 3 yr of VLT/SPHERE monitoring
- 2019
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 624
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The 51 Eridani system harbors a complex architecture with its primary star forming a hierarchical system with the binary GJ 3305AB at a projected separation of 2000 au, a giant planet orbiting the primary star at 13 au, and a low-mass debris disk around the primary star with possible cold and warm components inferred from the spectral energy distribution. Aims. We aim to better constrain the orbital parameters of the known giant planet. Methods. We monitored the system over three years from 2015 to 2018 with the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE) instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VET). Results. We measure an orbital motion for the planet of similar to 130 mas with a slightly decreasing separation (similar to 10 mas) and find a hint of curvature. This potential curvature is further supported at 3 sigma significance when including literature Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) astrometry corrected for calibration systematics. Fits of the SPHERE and GPI data using three complementary approaches provide broadly similar results. The data suggest an orbital period of 32(-9)(+17) yr (i.e., 12(-2)(+4), au in semi-major axis), an inclination of 133(-7)(+1)(4) deg, an eccentricity of 0.45(-0.15)(+0.10), and an argument of periastron passage of 87(-30)(+34) deg [mod 180 degrees]. The time at periastron passage and the longitude of node exhibit bimodal distributions because we do not yet detect whether the planet is accelerating or decelerating along its orbit. Given the inclinations of the orbit and of the stellar rotation axis (134-144 degrees), we infer alignment or misalignment within 18 degrees for the star-planet spin-orbit. Further astrometric monitoring in the next 3-4 yr is required to confirm at a higher significance the curvature in the motion of the planet, determine if the planet is accelerating or decelerating on its orbit, and further constrain its orbital parameters and the star-planet spin-orbit.
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| 9. |
- Maire, A. -L., et al.
(författare)
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VLT/SPHERE astrometric confirmation and orbital analysis of the brown dwarf companion HR 2562 B
- 2018
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 615
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. A low-mass brown dwarf has recently been imaged around HR 2562 (HD 50571), a star hosting a debris disk resolved in the far infrared. Interestingly, the companion location is compatible with an orbit coplanar with the disk and interior to the debris belt. This feature makes the system a valuable laboratory to analyze the formation of substellar companions in a circumstellar disk and potential disk-companion dynamical interactions. Aims. We aim to further characterize the orbital motion of HR 2562 B and its interactions with the host star debris disk. Methods. We performed a monitoring of the system over similar to 10 months in 2016 and 2017 with the VLT/SPHERE exoplanet imager. Results. We confirm that the companion is comoving with the star and detect for the first time an orbital motion at high significance, with a current orbital motion projected in the plane of the sky of 25 mas (similar to 0.85 au) per year. No orbital curvature is seen in the measurements. An orbital fit of the SPHERE and literature astrometry of the companion without priors on the orbital plane clearly indicates that its orbit is (quasi-)coplanar with the disk. To further constrain the other orbital parameters, we used empirical laws for a companion chaotic zone validated by N-body simulations to test the orbital solutions that are compatible with the estimated disk cavity size. Non-zero eccentricities (>0.15) are allowed for orbital periods shorter than 100 yr, while only moderate eccentricities up to similar to 0.3 for orbital periods longer than 200 yr are compatible with the disk observations. A comparison of synthetic Herschel images to the real data does not allow us to constrain the upper eccentricity of the companion.
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| 10. |
- Mesa, D., et al.
(författare)
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Limits on the presence of planets in systems with debris discs : HD92945 and HD107146
- 2021
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Ingår i: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 503:1, s. 1276-1289
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recent observations of resolved cold debris discs at tens of au have revealed that gaps could be a common feature in these Kuiper-belt analogues. Such gaps could be evidence for the presence of planets within the gaps or closer in near the edges of the disc. We present SPHERE observations of HD 92945 and HD 107146, two systems with detected gaps. We constrained the mass of possible companions responsible for the gap to 1–2 MJup for planets located inside the gap and to less than 5 MJup for separations down to 20 au from the host star. These limits allow us to exclude some of the possible configurations of the planetary systems proposed to explain the shape of the discs around these two stars. In order to put tighter limits on the mass at very short separations from the star, where direct-imaging data are less effective, we also combined our data with astrometric measurements from Hipparcos and Gaia and radial-velocity measurements. We were able to limit the separation and the mass of the companion potentially responsible for the proper-motion anomaly of HD 107146 to values of 2–7 au and 2–5 MJup, respectively.
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