Multiplicity Study of Exoplanet Host Stars

• Applicant: Dr. Markus Mugrauer
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: Funded in 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 376469449

In the course of our multiplicity study of exoplanet host stars with AstraLux, we could already study the stellar multiplicity status of 207 planetary systems. Furthermore, we could detect several new co-moving stellar companions, whose companionship was proven with 2nd epoch follow-up imaging. Now we want to obtain 2nd epoch follow-up imaging of 24 new recently detected companion-candidates, as well as 1st epoch images of 18 exoplanet host stars, whose multiplicity was not studied so far. With AstraLux we can detect new close stellar systems with exoplanets, the most challenging environments for planet formation, as proposed by theory. Our observations will contribute to the determination of the real impact of stellar multiplicity on planet formation and evolution.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants