Download The Hunt for Epsilon Eridani c to Study its Earthly

Hubble Space Telescope
Cycle 11 General Observer Proposal
The Hunt for Epsilon Eridani c to Study its Earthly
Properties of Life Sustainability
Principal Investigator: Mr John Lewis
Institution: Stony Brook University
USA/NY
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Scientific category:
Scientific keywords:
ISM AND CIRCUMSTELLAR MATTER
TERRESTRIAL PLANETS, PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES,
RINGS AROUND PLANETS
Instruments: NICMOS Proprietary period: 12
Cycle 11 primary orbits: 30
Cycle 11 parallel orbits: 0
Abstract
These near IR imaging observations will hopefully lead to the undeniable existence of
Epsilon Eridani c, an exoplanet presumed to exist around parent star that is maintaining
the shape of the kuiper belt-like dust disk encircling the star. With the recent explosion in
exoplanet research and public interest, I believe that this is a highly opportune time to focus
attention on the possibility of a ”nearby” planet with an earth-like atmosphere that may
posses the neccesities of biological sustainability. This is perhaps not a novel new endeavour,
but it is these kinds of research and discoveries that captivate the attention of the media and
the public and therefore the funding for and interest in astronomical exploration. Using the
NICMOS instrumentation, I hope to gather imagery not only of the planet, but a spectral
analysis of its upper atmosphere.
Mr John Lewis
The Hunt for Epsilon Eridani c to Study its Earthly Properties of Life Sustainability
Investigator
Mr John Lewis
PI:
CoI:
Total number of investigators:
Observing Summary:
Target
RA
HD 22049
03 32 55.8
Institution
Stony Brook University
Country
USA/NY
2
DEC
-09 27 29.7
Configuration,mode,aperture
spectral elements
NICMOS/STIS IMAGING
NIC1/NIC2/NIC3
V
3.736
Grand total orbit request
2
Total
orbits
30
0
30
Flags
Mr John Lewis
The Hunt for Epsilon Eridani c to Study its Earthly Properties of Life Sustainability
Scientific Justification
It is crucial to determine distinctly whether there is a second planet orbiting Epsilon Eridani.
Not only will its features likely resemble that of earth’s, but it may also aid in the explanation
of the Kuiper Belt mass distribution in our own solar system. By investigating these near IR
images I am very likely able to prove the existence of EE c and also use NICMOS and STIS
to analyze the atmospheric spectrum of the planet. A recommended exposure time is just
under 1,500 seconds or roughly two orbits, however, I feel that because this would be such
an important discovery and relevant to modern day curiosity, there should be many more
orbits alloted to this research. The object is very faint and will require greater attention
than just two orbits.
Description of the Observations
I intend simply to image the planet at all and in case the image is attainable, then to analyze
the spectral data.
Special Requirements
Coordinated Observations
Justify Duplications
Previous HST Programs
3