The Search for the Perfect Solar Twin: HD 98618

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the identification of HD 98618 as the second closest solar twin, following 18 Sco, which is recognized as nearly a perfect solar twin. Utilizing high-resolution Keck HIRES spectra with a resolution of R = 10^5, the authors, Jorge Melendez, Katie Dodds-Eden, and Jose A. Robles, conducted a differential analysis of sixteen solar twin candidates. The fundamental parameters of HD 98618 and 18 Sco are remarkably similar to those of the Sun, suggesting both stars are prime candidates for hosting terrestrial planets within their habitable zones. The paper emphasizes the importance of prioritizing these stars in future exoplanet and SETI surveys.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stellar classification and characteristics
  • Familiarity with high-resolution spectroscopy techniques
  • Knowledge of exoplanetary science and habitable zones
  • Awareness of the Hipparcos satellite and its distance measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methods used in high-resolution spectroscopy, specifically Keck HIRES
  • Explore the significance of stellar parameters in exoplanet habitability
  • Investigate the role of the Hipparcos satellite in astrometry
  • Study the implications of solar twins in SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) initiatives
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers in exoplanet studies will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on stellar characteristics and the search for habitable worlds.

wolram
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http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0603219

Authors: Jorge Melendez (1,2), Katie Dodds-Eden (1), Jose A. Robles (1) (1) RSAA/Mt Stromlo Observatory (Australia), (2) Caltech (USA), UNMSM (Peru)
Comments: ApJ letters, in press

Despite the observational effort carried out in the last few decades, no perfect solar twin has been found to date. An important milestone was achieved a decade ago by Porto de Mello & da Silva, who showed that 18 Sco is almost a solar twin. In the present work, we use extremely high resolution (R = 10^5) high S/N Keck HIRES spectra to carry out a differential analysis of sixteen solar twin candidates. We show that HD 98618 is the second closest solar twin, and that the fundamental parameters of both HD 98618 and 18 Sco are very similar (within a few percent) to the host star of our solar system, including the likelihood of hosting a terrestrial planet within their habitable zone. We suggest that these stars should be given top priority in exoplanet and SETI surveys.
 
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How far away are these 'Suns'?

Garth
 
Garth said:
How far away are these 'Suns'?

There's a table in the paper. 18 Sco is 14 pc away and HD 98618 is 38.7 pc away (as measured by Hipparcos).
 

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