NStars: Spectroscopy in the Local Neighborhood: A High Resolution Survey and Abundance Analysis of Selected Stars

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Luck, Earle "NStars: Spectroscopy in the Local Neighborhood: A High-Resolution Survey and Abundance Analysis of Selected Stars" AST-0086249 Dr. Luck is conducting a high-resolution survey of about 150 stars within 15 parsecs of the Sun. The objective of the project is to assemble a high quality database from which the frequency of binary companions, spectral peculiarities, and spectrum variability can be assessed. In addition, a detailed abundance analysis is being performed on ~80-100 stars with and without planets to determine what role metallicity plays in the frequency of planetary formation. The observations for the project are conducted the University of Texas McDonald Observatory 2.1-m telescope. Funding for this project was provided by the NSF Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA) program through the joint NSF/NASA "Nearby Stars (NStars)" initiative, and the NSF Mathematical & Physical Sciences Directorate Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (MPS/OMA).