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Astronomer, professor searches for new planets |
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Tuesday, 17 April 2007 |
by JULIA HARR
News Reporter
Dr. Richard O. Gray is seeing much more than just stars.
Gray, an Appalachian State University physics and astronomy professor, is part of an 11-person team searching for new planets around various stars in the universe. Research results have come as a surprise to the team.
What have you discovered in your research?
“Using
the Spizter telescope’s infrared technology, we found many debris discs
(an example in our solar system is the Asteroid Belt) around sun-like
stars. At first, we just looked at single stars then we decided to look
at binary stars and found discs around them, too.”
What is important about the discovery of these debris discs around twin stars?
“We always thought it would be difficult and have an egg-beater
effect on anything trying to form. We are now almost certain that
planets could form around a binary star and may be more likely. This is
exciting because it’s doubled our possibility for planets in our
galaxy.”
Have any new planets been discovered?
“We haven’t found planets yet, just have the possibility.”
Why were you chosen for this research?
“For my involvement with the [NASA funded] Nearby Stars Project that
started in 2000. Some of my colleagues asked me to help them with this
new research.”
Are you able to use Appalachian’s Dark Sky Observatory to aid in this project?
“Yes, we have a 32-inch telescope that is useful.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like to hike. Some of my favorite places around here are Lost Cove
and Harper’s Creek. I also enjoy archeology, particularly in West
Wales.”
What other projects are you working on?
“I have a spin-off project with a colleague looking at the activity of
solar-like stars. We are looking at sun spots and their cycles. We are
particularly looking at ones with planets to see their effect on solar
activity.”
Gray is also writing a book on stellar spectral classification due for
publication in 2008. He currently helps California Institute of
Technology examine stars passing through the heavy light bombardment
stage.
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