04/15/2024
By Lynne Schaufenbil
Abstract
Small, low-mass stars are the most numerous types of stars in theGalaxy, with 75% of all stars expected to be of spectral class M (and thus known as M dwarfs), corresponding to masses roughly 10% - 60% that of our Sun. However, due to their low luminosities, studying this population has been particularly challenging, and many of their properties --- such as their ages, activities, multiplicity --- remain unconstrained. With numerous on-going surveys searching for planets around these low-mass systems, it is critical that the stars themselves be thoroughly understood. In this talk, I will present the results of my survey to identify and discover the very closest companions to the nearest M dwarfs. I will then highlight LTT 1445, a triple M dwarf system at 7 parsecs that hosts two transiting rocky planets, to illustrate why it is so critical that we understand exoplanets' host stars.
Please contact Lynne_Schaufenbil@uml.edu if you would like to attend either in person or virtually.