RedDots: all terrestrial planets within 5pc

Applicant Dr. Sandra Jeffers
Subject Area Astrophysics and Astronomy
Term since 2020
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 446148871
 

Project Description

We will build on our discovery of Proxima b and Barnard's star b by searching for terrestrial planets within 5 pc. Our proven method uses long time-baseline, regular nightly-sampled HARPS RVs supported by comprehensive photometry and spectroscopic activity indices. We will develop activity models to push our detection techniques and apply these to our new data sets aswell as RedDots archival data sets. We will robustly detect and measure the orbits of potentially habitable planets in all systems, and the stars' activity and rotation. This is urgent: these will be top priority planets for characterisation, their properties will influence designs of forthcoming instruments for exoplanetary atmospheric studies.
DFG Programme Priority Programmes
Subproject of SPP 1992:  Exploring the diversity of extrasolar planets
Co-Investigator Professor Dr. Stefan Dreizler