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D. Ragozzine (CfA & Caltech), M. Karovska, L. Hartmann, D. Sasselov (CfA), K. Carpenter (GSFC), SI Team
The Stellar Imager (SI; http://hires.gsfc.nasa.gov/~si ) is a NASA Vision Mission, conceived of as a space-based UV-Optical long-baseline interferometer that will provide sub-milliarcsecond imaging capabilities. We present results from our study of how SI could be used to answer key questions about planet formation and planet-star-disk interactions. SI would be able to resolve and characterize star-disk interactions at a few stellar radii, including accretion and inner disk edge heating. Simple models of T-Tauri stars are used to probe SI's sensitivity to various critical parameters and geometries. By observing H2-flourescent lines in the UV, the contrast between the luminosity of the star and the gas can be improved. A list of potential targets among known planet-harboring stars is also presented with the hope of resolving possible star-planet interactions.
Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the SI Vision Mission study grant NNG04GM92G from NASA/GSFC to SAO. MK is a member of the Chandra X-ray Center (NASA contract NAS8-39073).
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.