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T.R. Monroe (Western Kentucky University), S.M. Sidle (Rhodes College), C.A. Pilachowski (Indiana University)
We present results of an LTE spectroscopic analysis of tau Boo, rho CrB, and 51 Peg, three stars reported to have planetary mass companions. From high-resolution (R=200,000), high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio = 250) spectra obtained with the coude feed telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, we derive [Fe/H] for these stars: 0.17 ± 0.13, -0.32 ± 0.12, and 0.11 ± 0.05 respectively. Spectral synthesis was employed to derive log epsilon(Li) values for rho CrB and 51 Peg, 1.06 and 1.11 respectively. We compare these metallicities with the abundances of three stars which are not known to harbor Jovian-mass planets, gam Ser, 110 Her, and beta Aql. We find that stars with planets have higher metal abundances in lighter elements such as Mg, Al, and Si; supporting the planet-SMR star connection.
This research was carried out as part of the Astronomy REU program at Indiana University with funding from the National Science Foundation.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.