The gemini NICI planet-finding campaign

Journal article

Our team is carrying out a multi-year observing program to directly image and characterize young extrasolar planets using the Near-Infrared Coronagraphic Imager (NICI) on the Gemini-South 8.1-meter telescope. NICI is the first instrument on a large telescope designed from the outset for high-contrast imaging, comprising a high-performance curvature adaptive optics (AO) system with a simultaneous dual-channel coronagraphic imager. Combined, with state-of-the-art AO observing methods and data processing, NICI typically achieves ≈2 magnitudes better contrast compared to previous ground-based or space-based planet-finding efforts, at separations inside of ≈2". In preparation for the Campaign, we carried out efforts to identify previously unrecognized, young stars as targets, to develop a rigorous quantitative method, for constructing our observing strategy, and to optimize the combination of angular differential imaging and spectral differential imaging. The Planet-Finding Campaign is in its second year, with first-epoch imaging of 174 stars already obtained out of a total sample of 300 stars. We describe the Campaign's goals, design, target selection, implementation, on-sky performance, and preliminary results. The NICI Planet-Finding Campaign represents the largest and most sensitive imaging survey to date for massive (≳1 MJup) planets around other stars. Upon completion, the Campaign will establish the best measurements to date on the properties of young gas-giant planets at ≳5-10 AU separations. Finally, Campaign discoveries will be well-suited to long-term orbital monitoring and detailed spectrophotometric followup with next-generation planet-finding instruments. © 2010 SPIE.

Authors: Liu, M; Wahhaj, Z; Biller, B; Nielsen, E; Chun, M

• Journal: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
• Volume: 7736
• Issue: PART 1
• Publication date: 2010-01-01
• DOI: 10.1117/12.858358
• ISSN: 0277-786X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Brown dwarfs; Adaptive optics; High contrast imaging; Extrasolar planets; Near-IR instrumentation