Name: Michael Liu

Institution: University of Hawaii

e-mail: mliu(no-spam)ifa.hawaii.edu

Partner Contry: GS

Science Meeting: Yes

User Meeting: Yes

NGO Staff Meeting: None Selected

Presentation: Yes

Format: Oral

Title: The Gemini NICI Planet-Finding Campaign

Co-author: The Planet-Finding Campaign Team

Co-authors' Institutions:

Abstract:

Direct imaging is one of the most compelling (and thus far unachieved) methods for studying the properties and origin of extrasolar planets. NICI (the Near-Infrared Coronagraphic Imager) is the new high contrast adaptive optics imager for the Gemini-South 8.1-meter telescope, tailored to direct detection of extrasolar planets through dual-channel methane-band coronagraphic imaging. Our team has been selected to carry out an extensive multi-year NICI observing program beginning this year. Our Gemini NICI Planet-Finding Campaign is expected to be the largest and most sensitive imaging survey to date for massive (~1 Mjup) planets around other stars.