Seminar: Evgenya Shkolnik -- Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii

Title: From Gecko to ESPaDOnS: An Evolution of Spectrographs for Exoplanet Studies


Abstract: Since 2001, we have been using Gecko, and more recently ESPaDOnS, to
search for star-planet interactions in hot Jupiter systems.  Our
discoveries of two systems that exhibit magnetic heating of the star by
its planet represent the first detections of extrasolar planet magnetic
fields. I will discuss the data, models and future prospects (and
limitations) for studies of this phenomenon.
	This week, I am starting a new ESPaDOnS program that will extend
the census of young low-mass stars near Earth. The data will provide the
necessary foundation to identify the most promising targets for intensive
follow-up to study the key planet-forming epoch of 10-100 Myr by
ground-based AO planet searches and space-based Spitzer observations.