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  • Large Binocular Telescope v...
    Nascimbeni, V.; Mallonn, M.; Scandariato, G.; Pagano, I.; Piotto, G.; Micela, G.; Messina, S.; Leto, G.; Strassmeier, K. G.; Bisogni, S.; Speziali, R.

    Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin), 07/2015, Letnik: 579
    Journal Article

    The atmospheric composition and vertical structure of the super-Earth GJ1214b has been a subject of debate since its discovery in 2009. Recent studies have indicated that high-altitude clouds might mask the lower layers. However, some data points that were gathered at different times and facilities do not fit this picture, probably because of a combination of stellar activity and systematic errors. We observed two transits of GJ1214b with the Large Binocular Camera, the dual-channel camera at the Large Binocular Telescope. For the first time, we simultaneously measured the relative planetary radius k = Rp/R⋆ at blue and red optical wavelengths (B + R), thus constraining the Rayleigh scattering on GJ1214b after correcting for stellar activity effects. To the same purpose, a long-term photometric follow-up of the host star was carried out with WiFSIP at STELLA, revealing a rotational period that is significantly longer than previously reported. Our new unbiased estimates of k yield a flat transmission spectrum extending to shorter wavelengths, thus confirming the cloudy atmosphere scenario for GJ1214b.