João P. Faria
CAUP

Abstract
The metallicity of the host star is widely recognized as a key factor on the process of planet formation. Spectroscopic studies show that the frequency of giant planets is indeed a strong function of the stellar metallicity. In the solar neighborhood, at least 25% of stars with [Fe/H] above +0.3 dex have an orbiting giant planet. This frequency decreases to about 5% for solar metallicity stars. There are however open questions, especially in the metal-poor and low planetary mass regimes. In this talk I will present a project that is using HARPS radial velocities to search for Neptunes and Super-Earths orbiting a sample of over 100 metal-poor stars. The overall characteristics of the sample and an interesting individual case will be discussed while showcasing the analysis tools currently being used to search for very low mass planets.

2014 April 23, 13:30

IA/U.Porto
Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (Classroom)
Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto