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Exploring Exoplanets' Spectroscopic Secrets: Clues on the Migration and Formation of Hot Jupiters

Citation

Piskorz, Danielle F. (2018) Exploring Exoplanets' Spectroscopic Secrets: Clues on the Migration and Formation of Hot Jupiters. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z9222RZX. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09122017-074006746

Abstract

Before the mid-90's, scientists' theories for planet formation were finely-tuned to explain the existence of our own Solar System. These theories were thrown into disarray when astronomers began to discover exoplanets, or planets in other solar systems. Forced to reconcile theory with observation, astronomers and planetary scientists have worked together for the past twenty years to solve the puzzles created by these thousands of exoplanets. One particularly intriguing group of newly-discovered planets were the hot Jupiters, planets the size of our Jupiter orbiting their host star every few days. This thesis details two observational campaigns that attempt to illuminate the origin and composition of hot Jupiters. Each project is powered by the NIRSPEC (Near-Infrared SPECtrometer) instrument located at Mauna Kea in Hawaii. The first project aims to determine the stellar multiplicity rate of hot Jupiter host stars. Such a metric can inform the migration histories of these planets. The second project treats a hot Jupiter and its host star as a spectroscopic binary. This treatment reveals the orbital elements and atmospheric composition of the hot Jupiter. The spectroscopic methods described in this thesis are small steps in the study of hot Jupiters and ultimately potentially habitable exoplanets.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:exoplanets; hot Jupiters; giant planets; binary star; observational techniques
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Planetary Sciences
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Knutson, Heather A. (co-advisor)
  • Blake, Geoffrey A. (co-advisor)
Group:Astronomy Department
Thesis Committee:
  • Knutson, Heather A. (chair)
  • Blake, Geoffrey A.
  • Yung, Yuk L.
  • Hillenbrand, Lynne A.
Defense Date:5 September 2017
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:09122017-074006746
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09122017-074006746
DOI:10.7907/Z9222RZX
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/814/2/148DOIChapter 2, published in the Astrophysical Journal
https://doi.org/10.3847/0004-637X/832/2/131DOIPart of chapter 3, all of chapter 4, published in the Astrophysical Journal
https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/aa7dd8DOIChapter 5, published in the Astronomical Journal
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Piskorz, Danielle F.0000-0003-4451-2342
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:10430
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Danielle Piskorz
Deposited On:13 Oct 2017 15:49
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 00:16

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