Information regarding this project is presented below
LAEX-CAB ESR - Patricia Cruz-Gamba
Detection of planetary light in transiting systems is possible as the planets (or more generally low mass companions) pass behind their host star. The NICMOS instrument on the HST, as well as the capabilities of the Spitzer Space Telescope (until the end of its warm phase) can be used to make infrared observations, offering the new opportunity to extend extra-solar planet direct measurements into the near-infrared. In addition, detailed studies with ground based telescopes can also seek the near infrared planet signal from around the coolest host stars. The new GTC telescope will be used for ground-based measurements, and the LAEX-CAB group work within the Science Team for CanariCam - a near-mid infrared first light instrument on the GTC. In addition, the launch of the JWST (near the end of the network) is of great importance to the field of extra-solar planets, and transiting planets (from WTS and elsewhere) will be highly compelling targets for this future facility. The LAEX-CAB group has a JWST Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) science group, and plan to initiate a JWST transit follow-up programme. This project will: (i) Characterize primary and secondary minima during transits by using photometric techniques in the near- and mid-infrared, exploiting CanariCam and space-born instrumentation, and (ii) build up to establishing a JWST transit follow-up programme.
LAEX-CAB - D. Barrado