1. Presentation
How giant exo-planets (EGPs) form, evolve and are structured is one of the biggest challenges of modern astronomy. This major goal is directly connected to the ultimate search for Life over the Horizon 2020-2030. Nevertheless, several astrophysical (formation, evolution, dynamics, structure and atmosphere), biological (bio-markers) and technical (new technologies developed for next generation of instrumentation) steps must be carried out in that perspective. We need to understand how EGPs are formed and structured, how they evolve and interact as they will completely shape the planetary system architecture and therefore the possibility to form telluric planets capable to host Life. In the perspective of the French ANR-GuEPARD grant between the IPAG, LAM and CRAL institutes, we proposed to fully exploit this rich expertise to enter a phase of systematic search and characterization that will offer invaluable constraints for theories of EGP formation, evolution and atmosphere.
Our French ANR-GuEPARD grant for "Giant Exoplanets Physics, Architecture, ORigin & Dynamics" is a French national grant of 510kE over 2011 and 2015 between the IPAG, LAM and CRAL institutes. The main goal is to support engineer & post-doc contracts in the field of exoplanetary science. The people involved are: Allard France (LAM): Beuzit Jean-Luc (IPAG): Chauvin Gael (IPAG): Deleuil Magali (LAM): Gry Cécile (LAM): Lagrange Anne-Marie (IPAG): Meunier Nadège (IPAG); Mouillet David (IPAG): Moutou Claire (LAM): Philippe Delorme (IPAG), Julien Rameau (IPAG), Alice Zurlo (LAM), Simon Borgniet (IPAG) & Arthur Vigan (LAM).
2. Science & Organization
GuEPARD is coordinated by Gael Chauvin (IPAG) and composed of three main scientific topics of research described below. The Flow Chart of the project's organization is available here: OrganiGramme GuEPARD.
2.1 High Contrast Imaging & Spectroscopy
Coordinators: Claire Moutou (LAM) & Gael Chauvin (IPAG)
Support for observing programs of High Contrast Imaging & Spectroscopy
- Scientific exploitation of the second generation instrument of SPHERE at VLT
- Development of reduction/analysis tools for high contrast
2.2 Radial velocity of intermediate-mass stars and young stas
- Coordinator: Anne-Marie Lagrange (IPAG)
- Support for observing programs of radial velocity with Harps and Sophie
- Development of reduction/analysis tools related to the activity.
- Simulations of the influence of activity to define diagnostics and observing strategy for optimized detection performances.
2.3 Cool atmospheres of brown dwarfs & planets
- Coordinator: France Allard (CRAL)
Simulations of the physics of cool atmopheres, dust settling, new opacities, influence of rotation & irradiation.
3. Highlights & publications
Highlights, publications and communications in the context of GuEPARD are detailed under the link ResultsPublications.
June 2013: LightestPlanet "Lightest Exoplanet Imaged So Far?"
