Context. The direct detection and characterization of planetary and substellar companions at small angular separations is a rapidly advancing field. Dedicated high-contrast imaging instruments ...deliver unprecedented sensitivity, enabling detailed insights into the atmospheres of young low-mass companions. In addition, improvements in data reduction and point spread function (PSF)-subtraction algorithms are equally relevant for maximizing the scientific yield, both from new and archival data sets. Aims. We aim at developing a generic and modular data-reduction pipeline for processing and analysis of high-contrast imaging data obtained with pupil-stabilized observations. The package should be scalable and robust for future implementations and particularly suitable for the 3–5 μm wavelength range where typically thousands of frames have to be processed and an accurate subtraction of the thermal background emission is critical. Methods. PynPoint is written in Python 2.7 and applies various image-processing techniques, as well as statistical tools for analyzing the data, building on open-source Python packages. The current version of PynPoint has evolved from an earlier version that was developed as a PSF-subtraction tool based on principal component analysis (PCA). Results. The architecture of PynPoint has been redesigned with the core functionalities decoupled from the pipeline modules. Modules have been implemented for dedicated processing and analysis steps, including background subtraction, frame registration, PSF subtraction, photometric and astrometric measurements, and estimation of detection limits. The pipeline package enables end-to-end data reduction of pupil-stabilized data and supports classical dithering and coronagraphic data sets. As an example, we processed archival VLT/NACO L′ and M′ data of β Pic b and reassessed the brightness and position of the planet with a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis; we also provide a derivation of the photometric error budget.
Context.
The mechanisms of planet formation are still under debate. We know little about how planets form, even if more than 4000 exoplanets have been detected to date. Recent investigations target ...the cot of newly born planets: the protoplanetary disk. At the first stages of their life, exoplanets still accrete material from the gas-rich disk in which they are embedded. Transitional disks are indeed disks that show peculiarities, such as gaps, spiral arms, and rings, which can be connected to the presence of substellar companions.
Aims.
To investigate what is responsible for these features, we selected all the known transitional disks in the solar neighborhood (<200 pc) that are visible from the southern hemisphere. We conducted a survey of 11 transitional disks with the SPHERE instrument at the Very Large Telescope. This is the largest H
α
survey that has been conducted so far to look for protoplanets. The observations were performed with the H
α
filter of ZIMPOL in order to target protoplanets that are still in the accretion stage. All the selected targets are very young stars, less than 20 Myr, and show low extinction in the visible.
Methods.
We reduced the ZIMPOL pupil stabilized data by applying the method of the angular spectral differential imaging (ASDI), which combines both techniques. The datacubes are composed of the Cnt_H
α
and the narrow band filter H
α
, which are taken simultaneously to permit the suppression of the speckle pattern. The principal component analysis method was employed for the reduction of the data. For each dataset, we derived the 5
σ
contrast limit and converted it in upper limits on the accretion luminosity.
Results.
We do not detect any new accreting substellar companions around the targeted transition disks down to an average contrast of 12 magnitudes at 0.′′2 from the central star. We have recovered the signal of the accreting M star companion around the star HD 142527. We have detected and resolved, for the first time in visible light, the quadruple system HD 98800. For every other system, we can exclude the presence of massive actively accreting companions, assuming that the accretion is not episodic and that the extinction is negligible. The mean accretion luminosity limit is 10
−6
L
⊙
at a separation of 0.′′2 from the host.
Context.
Accreting planetary-mass objects have been detected at H
α
, but targeted searches have mainly resulted in non-detections. Accretion tracers in the planetary-mass regime could originate from ...the shock itself, making them particularly susceptible to extinction by the accreting material. High-resolution (
R
> 50 000) spectrographs operating at H
α
should soon enable one to study how the incoming material shapes the line profile.
Aims.
We calculate how much the gas and dust accreting onto a planet reduce the H
α
flux from the shock at the planetary surface and how they affect the line shape. We also study the absorption-modified relationship between the H
α
luminosity and accretion rate.
Methods.
We computed the high-resolution radiative transfer of the H
α
line using a one-dimensional velocity–density–temperature structure for the inflowing matter in three representative accretion geometries: spherical symmetry, polar inflow, and magnetospheric accretion. For each, we explored the wide relevant ranges of the accretion rate and planet mass. We used detailed gas opacities and carefully estimated possible dust opacities.
Results.
At accretion rates of
Ṁ
≲ 3 × 10
−6
M
J
yr
−1
, gas extinction is negligible for spherical or polar inflow and at most
A
H
α
≲ 0.5 mag for magnetospheric accretion. Up to
Ṁ
≈ 3 × 10
−4
M
J
yr
−1
, the gas contributes
A
H
α
≲ 4 mag. This contribution decreases with mass. We estimate realistic dust opacities at H
α
to be
κ
~ 0.01–10 cm
2
g
−1
, which is 10–10
4
times lower than in the interstellar medium. Extinction flattens the
L
H
α
–
Ṁ
relationship, which becomes non-monotonic with a maximum luminosity
L
H
α
~ 10
−4
L
⊙
towards
Ṁ
≈ 10
−4
M
J
yr
−1
for a planet mass ~10
M
J
. In magnetospheric accretion, the gas can introduce features in the line profile, while the velocity gradient smears them out in other geometries.
Conclusions.
For a wide part of parameter space, extinction by the accreting matter should be negligible, simplifying the interpretation of observations, especially for planets in gaps. At high
Ṁ
, strong absorption reduces the H
α
flux, and some measurements can be interpreted as two
Ṁ
values. Highly resolved line profiles (
R
~ 10
5
) can provide (complex) constraints on the thermal and dynamical structure of the accretion flow.
HIP 65426 b is a recently discovered exoplanet imaged during the course of the SPHERE-SHINE survey. Here we present new L′ and M′ observations of the planet from the NACO instrument at the VLT from ...the NACO-ISPY survey, as well as a new Y –H spectrum and K-band photometry from SPHERE-SHINE. Using these data, we confirm the nature of the companion as a warm, dusty planet with a mid-L spectral type. From comparison of its SED with the BT-Settl atmospheric models, we derive a best-fit effective temperature of Teff = 1618 ± 7 K, surface gravity log g = 3.78−0.03+0.04 $\log g\,{=}\,3.78^{+0.04}_{-0.03}$logg = 3.78−0.03+0.04 and radius R = 1.17 ± 0.04RJ (statistical uncertainties only). Using the DUSTY and COND isochrones we estimate a mass of 8 ± 1MJ. Combining the astrometric measurements from our new datasets and from the literature, we show the first indications of orbital motion of the companion (2.6σ significance)and derive preliminary orbital constraints. We find a highly inclined orbit ( i = 1.07−10+13 $i\,{=}\,107^{+13}_{-10}$i = 107−10+13 deg) with an orbital period of 800−400+1200 $800^{+1200}_{-400}$800−400+1200 yr. We also report SPHERE sparse aperture masking observations that investigate the possibility that HIP 65426 b was scattered onto its current orbit by an additional companion at a smaller orbital separation. From this data we rule out the presence of brown dwarf companions with masses greater than 16 MJ at separations larger than 3 AU, significantly narrowing the parameter space for such a companion.
Context. Determining the chemical properties of the atmosphere of young forming gas giants might shed light on the location their formation occurred and the mechanisms involved. Aims. Our aim was to ...detect molecules in the atmosphere of the young forming companion PDS70 b by searching for atmospheric absorption features typical of substellar objects. Methods. We obtained medium-resolution (R ≈ 5075) spectra of the PDS70 planetary system with the SINFONI integral field spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope. We applied molecular mapping, based on cross-correlation with synthetic spectra, to identify signatures of molecular species in the atmosphere of the planet. Results. Although the planet emission is clearly detected when resampling the data to lower resolution, no molecular species could be identified with the cross-correlation technique. We estimated upper limits on the abundances of H2O, CO, and CH4 (log(Xmol) < −4.0, − 4.1, and − 4.9, respectively) assuming a clear atmosphere, and we explored the impact of clouds, which increase the upper limits by a factor of up to 0.7 dex. Assuming that the observations directly probe the planet’s atmosphere, we found a lack of molecular species compared to other directly imaged companions or field objects. Under the assumption that the planet atmosphere presents similar characteristics to other directly imaged planets, we conclude that a dusty environment surrounds the planet, effectively obscuring any feature generated in its atmosphere. We quantify the extinction necessary to impede the detection (AV ≈ 16−17 mag), pointing to the possibility of higher optical thickness than previously estimated from other studies. Finally, the non-detection of molecular species conflicts with atmospheric models previously proposed to describe the forming planet. Conclusions. To reveal how giant planets form a comprehensive approach that includes constraints from multiple techniques needs to be undertaken. Molecular mapping emerges as an alternative to more classical techniques like SED fitting. Specifically tuned atmospheric models are likely required to faithfully describe the atmospheres of forming protoplanets, and higher spectral resolution data may reveal molecular absorption lines despite the dusty environment enshrouding PDS70 b.
The aim of this study was to investigate the BW and immune status of lambs reared under natural conditions or under artificial conditions fed two different colostrum amounts. In this study, 60 lambs ...were randomly divided into groups according to treatment. Twenty lambs remained with their dams (natural rearing (NR) group). Forty lambs were removed from their dams at birth. Lambs were bottle-fed with a pool of sheep colostrum, receiving either 4 g of IgG/kg of BW at birth (C4 group) or 8 g of IgG/kg of BW at birth (C8 group). The total colostrum amount was equally divided into three meals at 2, 14 and 24 h after birth. After this period, lambs were bottle-fed a commercial milk replacer. Blood plasma sample analysis and BW recordings were carried out before feeding at birth and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 20 days after birth. Another blood sample analysis and BW recording was carried out when animals reached 10 kg of BW. During weaning (30 days), sampling was carried out every 5 days. Blood plasma was used to determine the concentrations of IgG and IgM and the complement system activity – total and alternative pathways. The NR group showed greater BW than the C4 and C8 groups during milk feeding period, whereas the C4 and C8 groups had greater BW than the NR group at the end of weaning period. The C8 and NR groups had greater plasma IgG and IgM concentrations than the C4 group during milk feeding period. In addition, C4 and C8 groups showed similar IgG concentrations and greater IgM concentrations than the NR group at the end of the weaning period. Complement system activity was greater in the NR group than in the C4 and C8 groups during the first 3 days after birth. In conclusion, lambs fed amounts of colostrum equivalent to 8 g of IgG/kg of BW showed similar immune variables compared to lambs reared under natural conditions, obtaining a greater BW at the end of the weaning period. Nevertheless, this study shows that not only the colostrum amount but also the management during the milk feeding and weaning period, such as stress produced by dam separation, milk quality and suckling frequency, can affect the final immune status of lambs.
Context. In recent years, our understanding of giant planet formation progressed substantially. There have even been detections of a few young protoplanet candidates still embedded in the ...circumstellar disks of their host stars. The exact physics that describes the accretion of material from the circumstellar disk onto the suspected circumplanetary disk and eventually onto the young, forming planet is still an open question. Aims. We seek to detect and quantify observables related to accretion processes occurring locally in circumstellar disks, which could be attributed to young forming planets. We focus on objects known to host protoplanet candidates and/or disk structures thought to be the result of interactions with planets. Methods. We analyzed observations of six young stars (age 3.5–10 Myr) and their surrounding environments with the SPHERE/ZIMPOL instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in the Hα filter (656 nm) and a nearby continuum filter (644.9 nm). We applied several point spread function (PSF) subtraction techniques to reach the highest possible contrast near the primary star, specifically investigating regions where forming companions were claimed or have been suggested based on observed disk morphology. Results. We redetect the known accreting M-star companion HD142527 B with the highest published signal to noise to date in both Hα and the continuum. We derive new astrometry ( r=62.8−2.7+2.1 $r{\,=\,}62.8^{+2.1}_{-2.7}$ r = 62.8−2.7+2.1 mas and PA=(98.7±1.8)° $\mathrm{PA}{\,=\,}(98.7{\,\pm\,}1.8)^{\circ}$PA = (98.7 ± 1.8)° ) and photometry (ΔN_Ha = 6.3−0.3+0.2 $6.3^{+0.2}_{-0.3}$6.3−0.3+0.2 mag, ΔB_Ha = 6.7 ± 0.2 mag and ΔCnt_Ha = 7.3−0.2+0.3 $7.3^{+0.3}_{-0.2}$7.3−0.2+0.3 mag) for the companion in agreement with previous studies, and estimate its mass accretion rate (Ṁ ≈ 1−2 × 10−10 M⊙yr−1). A faint point-like source around HD135344 B (SAO206462) is also investigated, but a second deeper observation is required to reveal its nature. No other companions are detected. In the framework of our assumptions we estimate detection limits at the locations of companion candidates around HD100546, HD169142, and MWC 758 and calculate that processes involving Hα fluxes larger than ~ 8 × 10−14–10−15 erg s−1 cm−2 (Ṁ > 10−10−10−12 M⊙yr−1) can be excluded. Furthermore, flux upper limits of ~10−14−10−15 erg s−1 cm−2 (Ṁ < 10−11–10−12 M⊙yr−1) are estimated within the gaps identified in the disks surrounding HD135344 B and TW Hya. The derived luminosity limits exclude Hα signatures at levels similar to those previously detected for the accreting planet candidate LkCa15 b.
The circumstellar disk of PDS 70 hosts two forming planets, which are actively accreting gas from their environment. The physical and chemical characteristics of these planets remain ambiguous due to ...their unusual spectral appearance compared to more evolved objects. In this work, we report the first detection of PDS 70 b in the Br
α
and
M
′ filters with VLT/NACO, a tentative detection of PDS 70 c in Br
α
, and a reanalysis of archival NACO
L
′ and SPHERE
H
23 and
K
12 imaging data. The near side of the disk is also resolved with the Br
α
and
M
′ filters, indicating that scattered light is non-negligible at these wavelengths. The spectral energy distribution (SED) of PDS 70 b is well described by blackbody emission, for which we constrain the photospheric temperature and photospheric radius to
T
eff
= 1193 ± 20 K and
R
= 3.0 ± 0.2
R
J
. The relatively low bolometric luminosity, log(
L
∕
L
⊙
) = −3.79 ± 0.02, in combination with the large radius, is not compatible with standard structure models of fully convective objects. With predictions from such models, and adopting a recent estimate of the accretion rate, we derive a planetary mass and radius in the range of
M
p
≈ 0.5–1.5
M
J
and
R
p
≈ 1–2.5
R
J
, independently of the age and post-formation entropy of the planet. The blackbody emission, large photospheric radius, and the discrepancy between the photospheric and planetary radius suggests that infrared observations probe an extended, dusty environment around the planet, which obscures the view on its molecular composition. Therefore, the SED is expected to trace the reprocessed radiation from the interior of the planet and/or partially from the accretion shock. The photospheric radius lies deep within the Hill sphere of the planet, which implies that PDS 70 b not only accretes gas but is also continuously replenished by dust. Finally, we derive a rough upper limit on the temperature and radius of potential excess emission from a circumplanetary disk,
T
eff
≲ 256 K and
R
≲ 245
R
J
, but we do find weak evidence that the current data favors a model with a single blackbody component.
Context.
The Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) of the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on board the
James Webb
Space Telescope (JWST) will give access to mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectra (5–28 microns) ...while retaining spatial information. With the unparalleled sensitivity of JWST and the MIRI detectors, the MRS has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of giant exoplanet atmospheres.
Aims.
Molecular mapping is a promising detection and characterisation technique used to study the spectra of directly imaged exoplanets. We aim to examine the feasibility and application of this technique to MRS observations.
Methods.
We used the instrument simulator
MIRISIM
to create mock observations of resolved star and exoplanet systems. As an input for the simulator, we used stellar and planet parameters from literature, with the planet spectrum being modelled with the radiative transfer code
petitRADTRANS
. After processing the raw data with the JWST pipeline, we high pass filter the data to account for the stellar point spread function, and used a forward modelling approach to detect the companions and constrain the chemical composition of their atmospheres through their molecular signatures.
Results.
We identified limiting factors in spectroscopic characterisation of directly imaged exoplanets with the MRS and simulated observations of two representative systems, HR8799 and GJ504. In both systems, we could detect the presence of multiple molecules that were present in the input model of their atmospheres. We used two different approaches with single molecule forward models, used in literature, that are sensitive to detecting mainly H2O, CO, CH4, and NH3, and a log-likelihood ratio test that uses full atmosphere forward models and is sensitive to a larger number of less dominant molecular species.
Conclusions.
We show that the MIRI MRS can be used to characterise widely separated giant exoplanets in the mid-IR using molecular mapping. Such observations would provide invaluable information for the chemical composition of the atmosphere, complementing other JWST observing modes, as well as ground-based observations.
Molecular mapping of the PDS70 system Cugno, G.; Patapis, P.; Stolker, T. ...
Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin),
9/2021, Letnik:
653
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Context.
Determining the chemical properties of the atmosphere of young forming gas giants might shed light on the location their formation occurred and the mechanisms involved.
Aims.
Our aim was to ...detect molecules in the atmosphere of the young forming companion PDS70 b by searching for atmospheric absorption features typical of substellar objects.
Methods.
We obtained medium-resolution (
R
≈ 5075) spectra of the PDS70 planetary system with the SINFONI integral field spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope. We applied molecular mapping, based on cross-correlation with synthetic spectra, to identify signatures of molecular species in the atmosphere of the planet.
Results.
Although the planet emission is clearly detected when resampling the data to lower resolution, no molecular species could be identified with the cross-correlation technique. We estimated upper limits on the abundances of H
2
O, CO, and CH
4
(log(
X
mol
) < −4.0, − 4.1, and − 4.9, respectively) assuming a clear atmosphere, and we explored the impact of clouds, which increase the upper limits by a factor of up to 0.7 dex. Assuming that the observations directly probe the planet’s atmosphere, we found a lack of molecular species compared to other directly imaged companions or field objects. Under the assumption that the planet atmosphere presents similar characteristics to other directly imaged planets, we conclude that a dusty environment surrounds the planet, effectively obscuring any feature generated in its atmosphere. We quantify the extinction necessary to impede the detection (
A
V
≈ 16−17 mag), pointing to the possibility of higher optical thickness than previously estimated from other studies. Finally, the non-detection of molecular species conflicts with atmospheric models previously proposed to describe the forming planet.
Conclusions.
To reveal how giant planets form a comprehensive approach that includes constraints from multiple techniques needs to be undertaken. Molecular mapping emerges as an alternative to more classical techniques like SED fitting. Specifically tuned atmospheric models are likely required to faithfully describe the atmospheres of forming protoplanets, and higher spectral resolution data may reveal molecular absorption lines despite the dusty environment enshrouding PDS70 b.
PDF
