Okayama Astrophysical Observatory Research Articles

Two Long-period Giant Planets around Two Giant Stars: HD 112570 and HD 154391

We present the discoveries of two giant plants orbiting the red-giant-branch star HD 112570 and the red-clump star HD 154391, based on the radial-velocity (RV) measurements from the Xinglong station and Okayama Astrophysical Observatory. Spectroscopic and asteroseismic analyses suggest that HD 112570 has a mass of 1.15 ± 0.12 M ☉, a radius of 9.85 ± 0.23 R ☉, a metallicity [Fe/H] of −0.46 ± 0.1, and logg of 2.47 ± 0.1. With the joint analysis of RV and Hipparcos-Gaia astrometry, we obtain a dynamical mass of Mp=3.42−0.84+1.4MJup , a period of P=2615−77+85 days, and a moderate eccentricity of e=0.20−0.14+0.16 for the Jovian planet HD 112570 b. For HD 154391, it has a mass of 2.07 ± 0.03 M ☉, a radius of 8.56 ± 0.05 R ☉, a metallicity [Fe/H] of 0.07 ± 0.1, and logg of 2.86 ± 0.1. The super-Jupiter HD 154391 b has a mass of Mp=9.1−1.9+2.8MJup , a period of P=5163−57+60 days, and an eccentricity of e=0.20−0.04+0.04 . We found that HD 154391 b has one of the longest orbital periods among those ever discovered orbiting evolved stars, which may provide a valuable case in our understanding of planetary formation at wider orbits. Moreover, while a mass gap at 4 M Jup seems to be present in the population of giant stars, there appear to be no significant differences in the distribution of metallicity among giant planets with masses above or below this threshold. Finally, the origin of the abnormal accumulation near 2 au for planets around large evolved stars (R ⋆ > 21 R ☉), remains unclear.

A close-in planet orbiting giant star HD 167768

Abstract We report the detection of a giant planet orbiting the G-type giant star HD 167768 from radial velocity measurements using the High Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph (HIDES) at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO). HD 167768 has a mass of $1.08_{-0.12}^{+0.14}\, M_{\odot }$, a radius of $9.70_{-0.25}^{+0.25}\, R_{\odot }$, a metallicity of $[\mbox{Fe}/\mbox{H}]=-0.67_{-0.08}^{+0.09}$, and a surface gravity of $\log g = 2.50_{-0.06}^{+0.06}$. The planet orbiting the star is a warm Jupiter, having a period of $20.6532_{-0.0032}^{+0.0032}\:\mbox{d}$, a minimum mass of $0.85_{-0.11}^{+0.12}\, M_{\rm {J}}$, and an orbital semimajor axis of $0.1512_{-0.0063}^{+0.0058}\:\mbox{au}$. The planet has one of the shortest orbital periods among those ever found around deeply evolved stars (log g < 3.5) using radial velocity methods. The equilibrium temperature of the planet is 1874 K, as high as a hot Jupiter. The radial velocities show two additional regular variations at 41 d and 95 d, suggesting the possibility of outer companions in the system. Follow-up monitoring will enable validation of the periodicity. We also calculated the orbital evolution of HD 167768 b and found that the planet will be engulfed within 0.15 Gyr.

A trio of giant planets orbiting evolved star HD 184010

Abstract We report the discovery of a triple-giant-planet system around an evolved star HD 184010 (HR 7421, HIP 96016). This discovery is based on observations from Okayama Planet Search Program, a precise radial velocity survey, undertaken at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory between 2004 April and 2021 June. The star is K0 type and located at the beginning of the red giant branch. It has a mass of $1.35_{-0.21}^{+0.19}\, M_{\odot }$, a radius of $4.86_{-0.49}^{+0.55} R_{\odot }$, and a surface gravity log g of $3.18_{-0.07}^{+0.08}$. The planetary system is composed of three giant planets in a compact configuration: the planets have minimum masses of $M_{\rm {b}}\sin i = 0.31_{-0.04}^{+0.03}\, M_{\rm {J}}$, $M_{\rm {c}}\sin i = 0.30_{-0.05}^{+0.04}\, M_{\rm {J}}$, and $M_{\rm {d}}\sin i = 0.45_{-0.06}^{+0.04}\, M_{\rm {J}}$, and orbital periods of $P_{\rm {b}}=286.6_{-0.7}^{+2.4}\:$d, $P_{\rm {c}}=484.3_{-3.5}^{+5.5}\:$d, and $P_{\rm {d}}=836.4_{-8.4}^{+8.4}\:$d, respectively, which are derived from a triple Keplerian orbital fit to three sets of radial velocity data. The ratio of orbital periods are close to Pd : Pc : Pb ∼ 21 : 12 : 7, which means the period ratios between neighboring planets are both lower than 2 : 1. The dynamical stability analysis reveals that the planets should have near-circular orbits. The system could remain stable over 1 Gyr, initialized from co-planar orbits, low eccentricities (e = 0.05), and planet masses equal to the minimum mass derived from the best-fitting circular orbit fitting. Besides, the planets are not likely in mean motion resonance. The HD 184010 system is unique: it is the first system discovered to have a highly evolved star (log g < 3.5 cgs) and more than two giant planets all with intermediate orbital periods (102 < P < 103 d).

Regular radial velocity variations in nine G- and K-type giant stars: Eight planets and one planet candidate

Abstract We report the detection of radial velocity (RV) variations in nine evolved G- and K-type giant stars. The observations were conducted at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory. Planets or planet candidates can best explain these regular variations. However, a coincidence of near 280 d variability among five of them prevents us from fully ruling out stellar origins for some of the variations, since all nine stars behave similarly in stellar properties. In the planet hypotheses for the RV variations, the planets (including one candidate) may survive close to the boundary of the so-called “planet desert” around evolved stars, having orbital periods between 255 and 555 d. Besides, they are the least-massive giant planets detected around G- and K-type giant stars, with minimum masses between 0.45 MJ and 1.34 MJ. We further investigated other hypotheses for our detection, yet none of them can better explain regular RV variation. With our detection, we can be convinced that year-long regular variation with amplitude down to 15 m s−1 for G- and K-type giant stars is detectable. Moreover, we performed simulations to further confirm the detectability of planets around these stars. Finally, we explored giant planets around intermediate-mass stars, and likewise found a four-Jupiter-mass gap (e.g., Santos et al. 2017, A&A, 603, A30), which is probably a boundary of the giant planet population.

Radial-velocity search and statistical studies for short-period planets in the Pleiades open cluster

Abstract We report on a radial-velocity search for short-period planets in the Pleiades open cluster. We observed 30 Pleiades member stars at the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory with the High Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph. To evaluate and mitigate the effects of stellar activity on radial-velocity (RV) measurements, we computed four activity indicators (full width at half maximum, Vspan, Wspan, and SHα). Among our sample, no short-period planet candidates were detected. Stellar intrinsic RV jitter was estimated to be 52 m s−1, 128 m s−1, and 173 m s−1 for stars with $v$ sin i of 10 km s−1, 15 km s−1, and 20 km s−1, respectively. We determined the planet occurrence rate from our survey and set the upper limit to 11.4% for planets with masses 1–13 MJUP and period 1–10 d. To set a more stringent constraint on the planet occurrence rate, we combined the result of our survey with those of other surveys targeting open clusters with ages in the range 30–300 Myr. As a result, the planet occurrence rate in young open clusters was found to be less than 7.4%, 2.9%, and 1.9% for planets with an orbital period of 3 d and masses of 1–5, 5–13, and 13–80 MJUP, respectively.

Okayama Astrophysical Observatory Wide-Field Camera

Abstract We report on the development of a wide-field near-infrared (0.9–2.5$\, \mu$m) camera built as a renewal of the existing classical Cassegrain 0.91 m telescope at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory. The optics system was replaced with fast hybrid optics (f/2.5) composed of forward Cassegrain optics and quasi-Schmidt optics, which results in an effective image circle of 52 mm diameter on the focal plane. The new camera, called the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory Wide-Field Camera (OAOWFC), has imaging capabilities in the $Y$, $J$, $H$, and $K_{\rm s}$ bands over a field of view of $0.^{\!\!\!\circ }47 \times 0.^{\!\!\!\circ }47$ with a HAWAII-1 HgCdTe PACE focal plane array. The primary purpose of OAOWFC is to search for variability in the Galactic plane in the $K_{\rm s}$ band and to promptly follow up transients. We have demonstrated a photometric repeatability of 2% in the densest field in the northern Galactic plane and successfully discovered previously unreported variable stars. The observations of OAOWFC are fully autonomous, and we started scientific operations in 2015 April.

KOOLS–IFU: Kyoto Okayama Optical Low-dispersion Spectrograph with optical-fiber Integral Field Unit

Abstract Observations of transient objects, such as short gamma-ray bursts and electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources, require prompt spectroscopy. To carry out prompt spectroscopy, we have developed an optical-fiber integral field unit (IFU) and connected it with an existing optical spectrograph, KOOLS. KOOLS–IFU was mounted on the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory 188 cm telescope. The fiber core and cladding diameters of the fiber bundle are 100 μm and 125 μm, respectively, and 127 fibers are hexagonally close-packed in the sleeve of the two-dimensional fiber array. We conducted test observations to measure the KOOLS–IFU performance and obtained the following conclusions: (1) the spatial sampling is ${2{^{\prime\prime}_{.}}34}$$\, \pm \,$${0{^{\prime\prime}_{.}}05}$ per fiber, and the total field of view is ${30{^{\prime\prime}_{.}}4}$$\, \pm \,$${0{^{\prime\prime}_{.}}65}$ with 127 fibers; (2) the observable wavelength and the spectral resolving power of the grisms of KOOLS are 4030–7310 Å and 400–600, 5020–8830 Å and 600–900, 4160–6000 Å and 1000–1200, and 6150–7930 Å and 1800–2400, respectively; and (3) the estimated limiting magnitude is 18.2–18.7 AB mag during 30 min exposure under optimal conditions.

HIDES spectroscopy of bright detached eclipsing binaries from theKeplerfield – III. Spectral analysis, updated parameters and new systems

We present the latest results of our spectroscopic observations and refined modelling of a sample of detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs), selected from the $Kepler$} Eclipsing Binary Catalog, that are also double-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB2). New high resolution spectra obtained with the HIDES spectrograph, attached to the 1.88-m telescope of the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory supplemented the previous observations, allowing to improve physical parameters of some systems, and characterize three previously omitted. All the obtained radial velocities (RVs) were combined with $Kepler$ photometry, in order to derive a full set of orbital and physical parameters. Ten out of eleven SB2s have their component spectra tomographically disentangled, and spectral analysis was performed with iSpec, in order to derive effective temperatures of components and metallicities of the systems. By comparing our results with theoretical models, we assess the age and evolutionary status of the studied objects. We find a good match to all but one systems. We have derived distances from thus determined parameters, and compare them with those from the $Gaia$ Data Release 2. For systems previously studied by other authors, our new results lead to better consistency between observations and models.

Search for companions in visual binary systems using precise radial-velocity measurements

Abstract The frequency of triple and quadruple systems is considered to be high in the early phase of star formation. Some multiple systems decay in the pre-main-sequence phase. The multiplicity of main-sequence stars provides clues about the evolution of binary systems. This work searched for companions of five components of visual binary systems using precise radial-velocity measurements. Their radial velocities were monitored from 2007 to 2012 using the HIgh Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph (HIDES) installed on the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO) 1.88 m reflector. In combination with previous work, this work searched for companions with an orbital period of less than 9 yr for the five bodies. We found periodic variations in the radial velocities for ADS 6190 A and BDS 10966A. The radial velocities of ADS 7311 A, 31 Dra A, and 31 Dra B show significant trends. ADS 6190 A is an SB1 binary with an orbital period of 366.2 d. The minimum mass of the secondary star is 0.5$^{+0.7}_{-0.2}\,M_{\odot }$. The radial velocity of ADS 7311 A was monitored for an observational span of 3200 d. We rejected a planetary-mass companion as the cause of a decreasing trend in the radial velocity of ADS 7311 A. This work confirmed that the periodic variation in the radial velocity of BDS 10966 A is 771.1 d. Bisector analysis did not reveal a correlation between the asymmetry of a spectral line and the radial velocity of BDS 10966 A. We rejected nonradial oscillation of the photosphere as the source of the radial velocity variation. The variation may be caused by the rotational modulation owing to surface inhomogeneity. The orbital elements of 31 Dra A derived in this paper are consistent with those in a previous paper. 31 Dra A system is an SB1 binary with a minimum mass ratio of 0.30 ± 0.08. 31 Dra B exhibits a periodic variation in radial velocity. The orbital elements derived in this work are consistent with those reported previously by others. The variation is caused by a circumstellar planet.

Planets around the evolved stars 24 Boötis and γ Libra: A 30 d-period planet and a double giant-planet system in possible 7:3 MMR

Abstract We report the detection of planets around two evolved giant stars from radial velocity measurements at Okayama Astrophysical observatory. 24 Boo (G3 IV) has a mass of $0.99\,M_{\odot }$, a radius of $10.64\,R_{\odot }$, and a metallicity of [Fe/H] = −0.77. The star hosts one planet with a minimum mass of 0.91 MJup and an orbital period of 30.35 d. The planet has one of the shortest orbital periods among those ever found around evolved stars using radial-velocity methods. The stellar radial velocities show additional periodicity with 150 d, which can probably be attributed to stellar activity. The star is one of the lowest-metallicity stars orbited by planets currently known. γ Lib (K0 III) is also a metal-poor giant with a mass of $1.47\,M_{\odot }$, a radius of $11.1\,R_{\odot }$, and [Fe/H] = −0.30. The star hosts two planets with minimum masses of 1.02 MJup and 4.58 MJup, and periods of 415 d and 964 d, respectively. The star has the second-lowest metallicity among the giant stars hosting more than two planets. Dynamical stability analysis for the γ Lib system sets the minimum orbital inclination angle to be about 70° and suggests that the planets are in 7:3 mean-motion resonance, though the current best-fitting orbits for the radial-velocity data are not totally regular.

Detection of planet candidates around K giants. HD 40956, HD 111591, and HD 113996

Aims. The purpose of this paper is to detect and investigate the nature of long-term radial velocity (RV) variations of K-type giants and to confirm planetary companions around the stars. Methods. We have conducted two planet search programs by precise RV measurement using the 1.8 m telescope at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO) and the 1.88 m telescope at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO). The BOAO program searches for planets around 55 early K giants. The OAO program is looking for 190 G–K type giants. Results. In this paper, we report the detection of long-period RV variations of three K giant stars, HD 40956, HD 111591, and HD 113996. We investigated the cause of the observed RV variations and conclude the substellar companions are most likely the cause of the RV variations. The orbital analyses yield P = 578.6 ± 3.3 d, m sin i = 2.7 ± 0.6 MJ, a = 1.4 ± 0.1 AU for HD 40956; P = 1056.4 ± 14.3 d, m sin i = 4.4 ± 0.4 MJ, a = 2.5 ± 0.1 AU for HD 111591; P = 610.2 ± 3.8 d, m sin i = 6.3 ± 1.0 MJ, a = 1.6 ± 0.1 AU for HD 113996.

Cross-cutting organization and publication of astronomical research materials using DOI：A case study of Okayama Astrophysical Observatory

Cross-cutting organization and publication of astronomical research materials using DOI：A case study of Okayama Astrophysical Observatory

A Jupiter-mass planet around the K0 giant HD 208897

For over 10 years, we have carried out a precise radial velocity (RV) survey to find substellar companions around evolved G,K-type stars to extend our knowledge of planet formation and evolution. We performed high precision RV measurements for the giant star HD 208897 using an iodine (I2) absorption cell. The measurements were made at T\"UB\.ITAK National Observatory (TUG, RTT150) and Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO). For the origin of the periodic variation seen in the RV data of the star, we adopted a Keplerian motion caused by an unseen companion. We found that the star hosts a planet with a minimum mass of m2sini=1.40MJ, which is relatively low compared to those of known planets orbiting evolved intermediate-mass stars. The planet is in a nearly circular orbit with a period of P=353 days at about 1 AU distance from the host star. The star is metal rich and located at the early phase of ascent along the red giant branch. The photometric observations of the star at Ankara University Kreiken Observatory (AUKR) and the HIPPARCOS photometry show no sign of variation with periods associated with the RV variation. Neither bisector velocity analysis nor analysis of the Ca II and Halpha lines shows any correlation with the RV measurements.

KIC 4150611: a rare multi-eclipsing quintuple with a hybrid pulsator

We present the results of our analysis of KIC 4150611 (HD 181469) - an interesting, bright quintuple system that includes a hybrid $\delta$ Sct/$\gamma$ Dor pulsator. Four periods of eclipses - 94.2, 8.65, 1.52 and 1.43 d - have been observed by the Kepler satellite, and three point sources (A, B, and C) are seen in high angular resolution images. From spectroscopic observations made with the HIDES spectrograph attached to the 1.88-m telescope of the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO), for the first time we calculated radial velocities (RVs) of the component B - a pair of G-type stars - and combined them with Kepler photometry in order to obtain absolute physical parameters of this pair. We also managed to directly measure RVs of the pulsator, also for the first time. Additionally, we modelled the light curves of the 1.52 and 1.43-day pairs, and measured their eclipse timing variations (ETVs). We also performed relative astrometry and photometry of three sources seen on the images taken with the NIRC2 camera of the Keck II telescope. Finally, we compared our results with theoretical isochrones. The brightest component Aa is the hybrid pulsator, transited every 94.2 days by a pair of K/M-type stars (Ab1+Ab2), which themselves form a 1.52-day eclipsing binary. The components Ba and Bb are late G-type stars, forming another eclipsing pair with a 8.65 day period. Their masses and radii are $M_{Ba}=0.894\pm0.010$ M$_\odot$, $R_{Ba}=0.802\pm0.044$ R$_\odot$ for the primary, and $M_{Bb}=0.888\pm0.010$ M$_\odot$, $R_{Bb}=0.856\pm0.038$ R$_\odot$ for the secondary. The remaining period of 1.43 days is possibly related to a faint third star C, which itself is most likely a background object. The system's properties are well-represented by a 35 Myr isochrone. There are also hints of additional bodies in the system.

Multi-color simultaneous photometry of the T-Tauri star with planetary candidate, CVSO 30

Abstract We present three-band simultaneous observations of a weak-line T-Tauri star, CVSO 30 (PTFO 8-8695), which is one of the youngest objects having a candidate transiting planet. The data were obtained with the Multicolor Simultaneous Camera for studying Atmospheres of Transiting exoplanets (MuSCAT) on the 188 cm telescope at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory in Japan. We observed the fading event in the $g^{\prime }_2$-, $r^{\prime }_2$-, and zs, 2-bands simultaneously. As a result, we find a significant wavelength dependence of fading depths of about 3.1%, 1.7%, and 1.0% for the three bands. A cloudless H/He-dominant atmosphere of a hot Jupiter cannot explain this large wavelength dependence. Additionally, we rule out a scenario with the occultation of the gravity-darkened host star. Thus our result is in favor of the fading origin as a circumstellar dust clump or occultation of an accretion hotspot.

HIDES spectroscopy of bright detached eclipsing binaries from the Kepler field – II. Double- and triple-lined objects

We present the results of our spectroscopic observations of eight detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs), selected from the $Kepler$ Eclipsing Binary Catalog. Radial velocities (RVs) were calculated from high resolution spectra obtained with the HIDES pectrograph, attached to the 1.88-m telescope of the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, and were used to characterize the targets in combination with the $Kepler$ light curves. For each binary we obtained a full set of orbital and physical parameters, reaching precision below 3% in masses and radii for 5 pairs. By comparing our results with theoretical models, we assess the distance, age and evolutionary status of the researched objects. We also study eclipse timing variations of selected objects, and identify a new system with a $\gamma$Dor pulsator. Two systems are triples, and show lines coming from three components. In one case the motion of the outer star and the perturbation in the RVs of the inner binary are clearly visible and periodical, which allows us to directly calculate the mass of the third star, and inclination of the outer orbit. In the second case we only see a clear motion of the tertiary, and investigate two scenarios: that it is a linear trend coming from the orbital motion around the inner binary, and that it is caused by a planetary mass companion. When possible, we also compare our results with the literature, and conclude that only by combining photometry with RVs it is possible to obtain correct physical parameters of both components of a DEB.

High-Contrast Imaging of Intermediate-Mass Giants with Long-Term Radial Velocity Trends.

A radial velocity (RV) survey for intermediate-mass giants has been operated for over a decade at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory (OAO). The OAO survey has revealed that some giants show long-term linear RV accelerations (RV trends), indicating the presence of outer companions. Direct imaging observations can help clarify what objects generate these RV trends. We present the results of high-contrast imaging observations of six intermediate-mass giants with long-term RV trends using the Subaru Telescope and HiCIAO camera. We detected co-moving companions to γ Hya , HD 5608 B (0.10 ± 0.01M ⊙), and HD 109272 B (0.28 ± 0.06M ⊙). For the remaining targets(ι Dra, 18 Del, and HD 14067) we exclude companions more massive than 30-60 M Jup at projected separations of 1''-7''. We examine whether these directly imaged companions or unidentified long-period companions can account for the RV trends observed around the six giants. We find that the Kozai mechanism can explain the high eccentricity of the inner planets ι Dra b, HD 5608 b, and HD 14067 b.

HIDES spectroscopy of bright detached eclipsing binaries from theKeplerfield – I. Single-lined objects

We present results of our spectroscopic observations of nine detached eclipsing binaries (DEBs), selected from the $Kepler$ Eclipsing Binary Catalog, that only show one set of spectral lines. Radial velocities (RVs) were calculated from the high resolution spectra obtained with the HIDES instrument, attached to the 1.88-m telescope at the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, and from the public APOGEE archive. In our sample we found five single-lined binaries, with one component dominating the spectrum. The orbital and light curve solutions were found for four of them, and compared with isochrones, in order to estimate absolute physical parameters and evolutionary status of the components. For the fifth case we only update the orbital parameters, and estimate the properties of the unseen star. Two other systems show orbital motion with a period known from the eclipse timing variations (ETVs). For these we obtained parameters of outer orbits, by translating the ETVs to RVs of the centre of mass of the eclipsing binary, and combining with the RVs of the outer star. Of the two remaining ones, one is most likely a blend of a faint background DEB with a bright foreground star, which lines we see in the spectra, and the last case is possibly a quadruple bearing a sub-stellar mass object. Where possible, we compare our results with literature, especially with results from asteroseismology. We also report possible detections of solar-like oscillations in our RVs.

A PAIR OF GIANT PLANETS AROUND THE EVOLVED INTERMEDIATE-MASS STAR HD 47366: MULTIPLE CIRCULAR ORBITS OR A MUTUALLY RETROGRADE CONFIGURATION

ABSTRACT We report the detection of a double planetary system around the evolved intermediate-mass star HD 47366 from precise radial-velocity measurements at the Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, Xinglong Station, and Australian Astronomical Observatory. The star is a K1 giant with a mass of 1.81 ± 0.13 M ⊙, a radius of 7.30 ± 0.33 R ⊙, and solar metallicity. The planetary system is composed of two giant planets with minimum masses of 1.75 − 0.17 + 0.20 M J ?> and 1.86 − 0.15 + 0.16 M J ?> , orbital periods of 363.3 − 2.4 + 2.5 ?> days and 684.7 − 4.9 + 5.0 ?> days, and eccentricities of 0.089 − 0.060 + 0.079 ?> and 0.278 − 0.094 + 0.067 ?> , respectively, which are derived by a double Keplerian orbital fit to the radial-velocity data. The system adds to the population of multi-giant-planet systems with relatively small orbital separations, which are preferentially found around evolved intermediate-mass stars. Dynamical stability analysis for the system revealed, however, that the best-fit orbits are unstable in the case of a prograde configuration. The system could be stable if the planets were in 2:1 mean-motion resonance, but this is less likely, considering the observed period ratio and eccentricity. A present possible scenario for the system is that both of the planets have nearly circular orbits, namely the eccentricity of the outer planet is less than ∼0.15, which is just within 1.4σ of the best-fit value, or the planets are in a mutually retrograde configuration with a mutual orbital inclination larger than 160°.

DEMONSTRATING HIGH-PRECISION, MULTIBAND TRANSIT PHOTOMETRY WITH MUSCAT: A CASE FOR HAT-P-14B

ABSTRACT The Multicolor Simultaneous Camera for studying Atmospheres of Transiting exoplanets (MuSCAT) is an optical three-band ( g 2 ′ ?> -, r 2 ′ ?> - and z s , 2 ?> -band) imager that was recently developed for the 188 cm telescope at Okayama Astrophysical Observatory with the aim of validating and characterizing transiting planets. In a pilot observation with MuSCAT we observed a primary transit of HAT-P-14b, a high-surface gravity (g p = 38 ms−2) hot Jupiter around a bright (V = 10) F-type star. From a 2.9 hr observation we achieved the five-minute binned photometric precisions of 0.028%, 0.022%, and 0.024% in the g 2 ′ ?> , r 2 ′ ?> , and z s , 2 ?> bands, respectively, which provided the highest-quality photometric data for this planet. Combining these results with those of previous observations, we search for variations of transit timing and duration over five years as well as variations of planet-star radius ratio ( R p / R s ?> ) with wavelengths, but can find no considerable variation in any parameters. On the other hand, using the transit-subtracted light curves we simulate the achievable measurement error of R p / R s ?> with MuSCAT for various planetary sizes, assuming three types of host stars: HAT-P-14, the nearby K-dwarf HAT-P-11, and the nearby M-dwarf GJ1214. Comparing our results with the expected atmospheric scale heights, we find that MuSCAT is capable of probing the atmospheres of planets as small as a sub-Jupiter ( R p ∼ 6 R ⊕ ?> ) around HAT-P-14 in all bands, a Neptune ( ∼ 4 R ⊕ ?> ) around HAT-P-11 in all bands, and a super-Earth ( ∼ 2.5 R ⊕ ?> ) around GJ1214 in r 2 ′ ?> and z s , 2 ?> bands. These results promise that MuSCAT will produce fruitful scientific outcomes in the K2 and TESS era.