Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

9-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Program

Astrophysics

Advisor

Jacqueline K. Faherty

Subject Categories

Other Astrophysics and Astronomy | Physical Processes | Stars, Interstellar Medium and the Galaxy | The Sun and the Solar System

Keywords

ocean worlds, planet-moon interactions, exoplanets, geological processes, stellar rotations, TESS Light Curves

Abstract

The thesis is divided into two key sections. The first chapter presents the results of analyzing TESS light curves for 99 targets within the Carina-Near moving group. By deriving rotational periods, this analysis supports stellar age estimation, contributing to the broader efforts of the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 citizen project in determining age parameters for 89 newly identified systems, including ultracool dwarf companions. These findings enhance our understanding of stellar rotation and evolution, offering new insights into the development of secondary co-moving objects like brown dwarfs.

The second chapter investigates planet-moon interactions within our solar system by examining mass ratios, separation, and binding energies. Drawing parallels with similar parameters in exoplanetary systems, this research aims to shed light on the forces driving geological activity and planetary dynamics, drawing parallels with potentially habitable environments in exoplanetary systems.

Share

COinS