2704005

Target RA (J2000): 176.380569458008 and deg Target Dec (J2000): 65.5409927368164 and deg Gaia GMag: 8.565 Programme ID: CH_PR140073 Programme Manager: LAM PI of observing programme: Benz Title of programme: Axis 1 - Gas Contents of Low Mass Planets (GCLMP) Abstract: The priority questions for planetary sciences are aimed at understanding the origin of planetary systems and life. Planet formation is a complex process that starts with the condensation of matter in a disc of molecular gas and dust. Planetesimals grow into planets accrete material lose volatiles chemically evolve and outgas contract as they cool down and finally are destroyed or survive when the star dies ejecting back material into the interstellar medium and possibly starting again a new cycle. Most of the evidence that we have on these processes comes from the study of our Solar System and astrophysical observations of neighboring stars. The detection and characterization of extrasolar planets revealed a diversity of planetary systems beyond the Solar System but these discoveries challenged existing planet formation theories. Precisely characterized bulk properties of exoplanets help place constraints on the varying formation conditions and evolution processes in order to understand the origin of exoplanets. In this program we propose the characterization of long-period (P > 15 days) low-mass gas-rich planets (defined as planets with radii between 2 and 4 Earth radii) by refining their planetary radii. [truncated! Please see actual data for full text]