S21B0036
S21B0036
We propose SCExAO/CHARIS follow-up of a faint, likely directly-imaged exoplanet ∼ 18 au a nearby star identified from two separate SCExAO/CHARIS datasets obtained during the second half of 2020. Preliminary analysis of the candidate’s spectrum – while noisy – favors an atmosphere very similar those of the first directly-imaged exoplanets, HR 8799 bcde; it is also likely responsible for a 2.5–3σ acceleration induced on its host star as seen by Gaia DR2/eDR3: unlike nearly all other imaged exoplanets to date, it is possible to derive a dynamical mass for this companion instead of inferring a mass from uncertain evolutionary models. New data will confirm common proper motion, yield a high SNR detection across the JHK passbands that better constrain’s the companion’s atmosphere, and provide a direct dynamical mass measurement. This companion could provide SCExAO with its first direct imaging exoplanet discovery and the Subaru Telescope’s first in 8 years. Furthermore, this companion is a proof-of-concept for a fundamentally different type of exoplanet direct imaging search, using ultra-precise Gaia astrometry to identify stars with hidden, imageable planets. These are the highest-priority observations for the CHARIS/post-SEEDS consortium in S21B.
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