CAREER: Direct Detection of Extrasolar Planets With Very High Contrast Adaptive Optics Imaging

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AST 0349360 CloseDr. Laird Close, at the University of Arizona, will undertake two large surveys to directly detect extrasolar planets around 49 young, and 51 nearby, stars with novel optical devices called quadrant simultaneous differential imagers (SDI). The quadrant SDI has been developed by Dr. Close to reveal the presence of an extrasolar gas giant by a double difference of 4 images taken simultaneously. Based on current models of the properties of extra-solar planets he expects to detect of order 3-10 extrasolar planets by the end of these surveys.Support from this CAREER grant will enable Dr. Close to train a new generation of young graduate student astronomers in the field of extrasolar planetary science and adaptive optics. The PI will also use this grant to complete the first dedicated research quality IR telescope for public outreach and education. This new IR facility will play a key role in giving interactive, hands-on, experience observing the invisible infrared universe to teenagers, and in the training of adult Girl Guide leaders in biannual workshops to be held at the Mt. Lemmon/Astronomy Camp site as part of the Observatory's "Linking Girls with the Sky" outreach program.