Elliott Horch Southern Connecticut State University

1. Elliott Horch Southern Connecticut State University “DSSI Goes to Gemini North: High-Resolution Imaging of Kepler Stars and the Other Usual Suspects” One of the important methods being used to vet Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs) for planetary companions is high resolution imaging, either with adaptive optics or speckle imaging. If there is an optical companion within one arc second of the KOI, then it is very helpful to know the relative astrometry and photometry of this component in order to get the best possible result on planetary properties from the transit data. This talk describes the speckle imaging work, which is ongoing at both at the WIYN 3.5-m Telescope at Kitt Peak and the Gemini-North Telescope on Mauna Kea and uses the Differential Speckle Survey Instrument, a two-channel simultaneous speckle imaging system. Diffraction-limited imaging in the visible and very near infrared is routinely obtained to ~14th magnitude at WIYN and ~16th magnitude at Gemini. Examples will be discussed, as well as the potential of the images for aiding in the confirmation of earth-like planets. Two other projects involving binary stars that are using the same instrument at both telescopes will also be briefly described. POC: Tom Greene / Tom.Greene@nasa.gov Space Science & Astrobiology Ames Center for Exoplanet Studies (ACES) SeminarThursday, July 18, 20133:00pm – N245 AUDITORIUM