Planetary and exoplanetary Astronomy Lunch Seminar (PALS) for 2022-03-28

Series: Planetary and exoplanetary Astronomy Lunch Seminar (PALS)
Date: Monday 28-March-2022
Time: 11:15-12:15
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Johanna Teske
Title: Holistic Characterization of Small Planets with the Magellan-TESS Survey

Abstract: Recent results on the characterization of small planets have presented two questions: (1) Is there a range of super-Earth and/or sub-Neptune formation mechanisms? and (2) What is the precise and accurate planet mass-radius relation in the <3 Rearth regime? The Magellan-TESS Survey (MTS) is designed to address these questions in a statistically robust framework, combining transiting and radial velocity techniques to connect observed planet distributions to true underlying populations. The MTS will include mass constraints, host star compositions, and system architectures of 30 small planets detected by TESS across a range of insolation fluxes. Its statistical robustness arises from quantifiable and uniformly applied choices for transiting planet target selection and radial velocity observation cadencing, a new feature compared to most previous follow-up surveys. In this talk I will (1) present the latest results from the MTS, including our hierarchical Bayesian modeling of the mass-radius relation, and (2) discuss next steps for the survey including plans for combining it with atmospheric follow-up. I will also highlight an investigation into the role of sample selection on recovery of trends between planet properties that can guide future allocation of telescope time. Overall, the MTS-style approach to population studies will become increasingly important as we move deeper into the era of exoplanet characterization where observational constraints are more technically challenging and expensive.

For further information contact PALS coordinators Tad Komacek and Quanzhi Ye at tkomacek@umd.edu or qye@umd.edu.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

Directions and information about parking can be found here.

This page was automatically generated on: 12-Mar-2022.