Poster Abstracts

Name/Affiliation:  Ryan Terrien (Penn State)

Title:  A near-infrared spectroscopic survey of ~1000 nearby M dwarfs

Abstract:
The development of empirical calibrations for the stellar parameters of M dwarfs has paved the way for a reliable en masse characterization of these stars. A compelling application for these techniques is the characterization of targets for upcoming exoplanet surveys, many of which will focus on M dwarfs (e.g. the Habitable-zone Planet Finder, CARMENES). We have obtained R~2000 near-infrared spectra of ~1000 nearby M dwarfs, in order to obtain empirical measurements of their metallicities, masses, radii, and luminosities. These parameters also enable our calculation of the Habitable Zone for each star, based on up-to-date stellar and planetary atmospheric models. These stellar parameters will both inform target selection and lay the foundation for interpretation of the results of these surveys. We present the results and implications of our analysis of these stars. We also discuss the spectral library itself, which will provide the largest published collection of near-infrared M dwarf spectra, and will provide a rich dataset for studies of nearby M dwarfs. The stellar abundances in this library have already provided insight into a small number of targets, constraining the properties of the low-mass eclipsing binary CM Draconis, and the membership of the nearby open cluster Coma Berenices.