Measurements of Stellar Properties through Asteroseismology: A Tool for Planet Transit Studies

TL;DR

Asteroseismology enables precise measurement of stellar properties such as density, mass, radius, and age, which are crucial for understanding exoplanet transits, with high accuracy demonstrated using Kepler data.

Contribution

This paper reviews asteroseismic analysis methods and demonstrates their application to Kepler data for accurate stellar parameter estimation.

Findings

Stellar densities can be measured to 1% accuracy.

Stellar radii can be determined within 2-3%.

Ages can be estimated within 5-10% of main-sequence lifetime.

Abstract

Oscillations occur in stars of most masses and essentially all stages of evolution. Asteroseismology is the study of the frequencies and other properties of stellar oscillations, from which we can extract fundamental parameters such as density, mass, radius, age and rotation period. We present an overview of asteroseismic analysis methods, focusing on how this technique may be used as a tool to measure stellar properties relevant to planet transit studies. We also discuss details of the Kepler Asteroseismic Investigation -- the use of asteroseismology on the Kepler mission in order to measure basic stellar parameters. We estimate that applying asteroseismology to stars observed by Kepler will allow the determination of stellar mean densities to an accuracy of 1%, radii to 2-3%, masses to 5%, and ages to 5-10% of the main-sequence lifetime. For rotating stars, the angle of inclination can also be determined.