PLANES · Unfolding the Evolution of Planetary Systems

Unfolding the Evolution of Planetary Systems

Most of the exoplanets discovered to date orbit solar mass main-sequence stars. Essential to the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets is the knowledge of planetary systems around as many diverse stars as possible. In this context, surveys are now targeting planets around stars that have evolved off the Main Sequence, because, so far, it is one of the few means we have of directly determining the influence of the stellar mass on the planet formation mechanism. With searches of planets around evolved pulsating B sub-dwarfs, red giant stars, and white dwarfs underway, it is paramount to advance theoretical research in how stellar evolution affects the architecture of planetary systems. With this project we have: (i) determined accurate orbital ranges where planets are expected to be found around evolved stars, (ii) investigated the effects of the engulfment of planets inside the stellar envelope of evolved stars, and (iii) determine some of the effects of sub-stellar objects on the evolution of stars. Within this program we provide the theoretical framework to understand first, how stellar evolution influences planet survival, and second, how planets affect the evolution of stars. One of the main goals of this project is to establish a theoretical framework that would allow to perform informed searches of planets around evolved stars. After having spent 8 years at a leading USA research institution I returned to my home country Spain with all the enthusiasm of a new beginning. The Marie Curie IRG has kept the flame alive for my research. To me the message was clear: I was welcome back to Europe. The IRG grant has enabled me to keep valuable pre-existing on-going collaborations active by providing me with the funding for visits, it has supported my scientific program in my new position, and it opened new research venues. Furthermore and most importantly it has help me to obtain a permanent position as an associate professor in Europe at the host institution, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union