Discovery of Planetary Systems With SIM

Abstract : We are witnessing the birth of a new observational science: the discovery and characterization of extrasolar planetary systems. In the past five years, over 70 extrasolar planets have been discovered by precision Doppler surveys, most by members of this SIM team. We are using the data base of information gleaned from our Doppler survey to choose the best targets for a new SIM planet search. In the same way that our Doppler database now serves SIM, our team will return a reconnaissance database to focus Terresrial Planet Finder (TPF) into a more productive, e cient mission. Goals: 1. Detect terrestrial planets of 1-3 M(Earth) around stars closer than 8 pc. 2. Detect 3-20 M(Earth) planets around stars at a distance of 8-30 pc. 3. Determine absolute masses of Doppler-detected planets and search for additional planets 4. Determine the degree of coplanarity in known multiple systems 5. Reconnaissance for TPF.