M dwarf stars in the light of (future) exoplanet searches

B. Rojas-Ayala , E. J. Hilton , A. W. Mann , S. Lépine , E. Gaidos , X. Bonfils (1) , Ch. Helling , T. J. Henry , L. A. Rogers , K. von Braun , A. Youdin

1 IPAG - Institut de Planétologie et d'Astrophysique de Grenoble

We present a brief overview of a splinter session on M dwarf stars as planet hosts that was organized as part of the Cool Stars 17 conference. The session was devoted to reviewing our current knowledge of M dwarf stars and exoplanets in order to prepare for current and future exoplanet searches focusing in low mass stars. We review the observational and theoretical challenges to characterize M dwarf stars and the importance of accurate fundamental parameters for the proper characterization of their exoplanets and our understanding on planet formation.

Mots clés: stars: planetary systems; stars: late-type; stars: fundamental parameters; Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics; Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

Domaines: Planète et Univers [physics]

B. Rojas-Ayala, E. J. Hilton, A. W. Mann, S. Lépine, E. Gaidos, et al.. M dwarf stars in the light of (future) exoplanet searches. Astronomical Notes / Astronomische Nachrichten, 2013, 334, pp.155. ⟨10.1002/asna.201211760⟩. ⟨insu-03617515⟩