The Search for the Perfect Solar Twin: HD 98618

In summary, the authors used high resolution Keck spectra to analyze sixteen solar twin candidates, and found that HD 98618 is the second closest solar twin to our sun. They suggest that this star, along with 18 Sco, should be given priority in exoplanet and SETI surveys due to their similarities to our sun and potential for hosting a habitable planet. The distance to 18 Sco is 14 pc and HD 98618 is 38.7 pc away.
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wolram
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http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0603219

Authors: Jorge Melendez (1,2), Katie Dodds-Eden (1), Jose A. Robles (1) (1) RSAA/Mt Stromlo Observatory (Australia), (2) Caltech (USA), UNMSM (Peru)
Comments: ApJ letters, in press

Despite the observational effort carried out in the last few decades, no perfect solar twin has been found to date. An important milestone was achieved a decade ago by Porto de Mello & da Silva, who showed that 18 Sco is almost a solar twin. In the present work, we use extremely high resolution (R = 10^5) high S/N Keck HIRES spectra to carry out a differential analysis of sixteen solar twin candidates. We show that HD 98618 is the second closest solar twin, and that the fundamental parameters of both HD 98618 and 18 Sco are very similar (within a few percent) to the host star of our solar system, including the likelihood of hosting a terrestrial planet within their habitable zone. We suggest that these stars should be given top priority in exoplanet and SETI surveys.
 
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How far away are these 'Suns'?

Garth
 
  • #3
Garth said:
How far away are these 'Suns'?

There's a table in the paper. 18 Sco is 14 pc away and HD 98618 is 38.7 pc away (as measured by Hipparcos).
 

Related to The Search for the Perfect Solar Twin: HD 98618

1. What is a solar twin?

A solar twin is a star that closely resembles our Sun in terms of its mass, temperature, and chemical composition.

2. Why is HD 98618 considered a potential solar twin?

HD 98618 has a similar mass, temperature, and chemical composition to our Sun, making it a strong candidate for a solar twin.

3. How is the search for a perfect solar twin conducted?

Scientists use a variety of methods to search for solar twins, including spectroscopy, which allows them to analyze a star's chemical composition, and asteroseismology, which measures a star's oscillations to determine its mass and age.

4. What can we learn from studying solar twins?

Studying solar twins can provide valuable insights into the evolution of our own Sun and the potential habitability of planets around other stars. They can also help us understand the conditions necessary for the development of life.

5. Are there any other potential solar twins besides HD 98618?

Yes, there are several other stars that have been identified as potential solar twins, including 18 Scorpii, HIP 56948, and HIP 102152. However, HD 98618 remains one of the strongest candidates due to its similarities to our Sun.

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