Open access
Datum
2021Typ
- Journal Article
Abstract
Giant exoplanets on wide orbits have been directly imaged around young stars. If the thermal background in the mid-infrared can be mitigated, then exoplanets with lower masses can also be imaged. Here we present a ground-based mid-infrared observing approach that enables imaging low-mass temperate exoplanets around nearby stars, and in particular within the closest stellar system, α Centauri. Based on 75–80% of the best quality images from 100 h of cumulative observations, we demonstrate sensitivity to warm sub-Neptune-sized planets throughout much of the habitable zone of α Centauri A. This is an order of magnitude more sensitive than state-of-the-art exoplanet imaging mass detection limits. We also discuss a possible exoplanet or exozodiacal disk detection around α Centauri A. However, an instrumental artifact of unknown origin cannot be ruled out. These results demonstrate the feasibility of imaging rocky habitable-zone exoplanets with current and upcoming telescopes. Mehr anzeigen
Persistenter Link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000472101Publikationsstatus
publishedExterne Links
Zeitschrift / Serie
Nature CommunicationsBand
Seiten / Artikelnummer
Verlag
NatureOrganisationseinheit
09680 - Quanz, Sascha Patrick / Quanz, Sascha Patrick