ABSTRACT

Transiting planets are incredibly information rich systems. Observing transiting systems have led to advances in understanding their atmospheres, their internal structures, and the demographics of exoplanet populations. However, much of what we can infer about transiting planets depends on our knowledge of their host stars. By studying typical and benchmark bright systems, I explore the magnitude of systematic errors in the host properties of transiting planets and how they impact the precision and accuracy of derived planet properties. I then discuss how we can apply these lessons to the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope immense haul of transiting planets, for which the limiting factor will be our understanding of these faint host stars.

About the Speaker:

Alison Duck is a final year PhD candidate in the astronomy department at The Ohio State University working with Prof. Scott Gaudi. She is from Maryland's rural and remote Eastern Shore and completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland, College Park in 2019. Her research focuses on quantifying the systematic errors present in transiting exoplanets and their host stars. She is passionate about mentorship and is a leader in the Polaris peer-mentorship program at OSU.