Recent MOST space photometry

TL;DR

The MOST space photometry mission has extensively observed variable stars, detecting various pulsation modes and rotational behaviors, providing valuable data on stellar variability and exoplanet characteristics.

Contribution

This paper summarizes the recent results from the MOST satellite, highlighting new detections of stellar pulsations, differential rotation, and exoplanet constraints, advancing stellar astrophysics research.

Findings

Detection of p-modes in solar-type stars and pre-main sequence objects

Identification of g-modes in B-type stars and pulsating variables

Constraints on planetary albedo and presence of perturbing planets

Abstract

The Microvariability and Oscillations of STars (MOST) photometric satellite has already undertaken more than 64 primary campaigns which include some clusters and has obtained observations of >850 secondary stars of which ~180 are variable. More than half of the variables pulsate, with the majority being of B-type. Since 2006 January, MOST has operated with only a single CCD for both guiding and science. The resulting increase in read-out cadence has improved precision for the brightest stars. The 2007 light curve for Procyon confirms the lack of predicted p-modes with photometric amplitudes exceeding 8 ppm as we found in 2004 and 2005. p-modes have been detected in other solar-type stars as well as pre-main sequence objects, roAp and delta Scuti variables. g-modes have been detected in a range of slowly pulsating B stars, Be stars and beta Cephei variables. Differential rotation has been defined for several spotted solar-type stars and limits set to the albedo of certain transiting planets and the presence of other perturbing planets. The mission is expected to continue as long as the experiment operates.