Multiplicity Study of Exoplanet Host Stars

• Applicant: Dr. Markus Mugrauer
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: Funded in 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 247815386

In the course of our multiplicity study of exoplanet host stars with ASTRALUX, we could already clarify the stellar multiplicity status of 71 planetary systems. Furthermore, we could detect one new co-moving stellar companion, whose companionship was proven with 2nd epoch follow-up imaging. Now we want to obtain 2nd epoch follow-up imaging of one new, just recently detected, companion-candidate, as well as 1st epoch images of 30 new exoplanet host stars, whose multiplicity was not studied so far. With ASTRALUX we can detect new close stellar systems with exoplanets, the most challenging environments for planet formation, as proposed by theory. Our observations will contribute to the determination of the real impact of stellar multiplicity on planet formation and evolution.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants