Research project PX/8/SS/11 (Research action PX)
Stars are continuously animated by periodic oscillations which depend on their internal structure. The knowledge of the frequencies with which a star vibrates should give us information about the equation of state, the extent of the convective zones as well as the theory of convection itself, the importance of diffusive processes, metallicity…
The first satellite to be launched with such an objective is COROT. We are deeply involved in the preparation of this mission since 2001. The collaboration between the KU-Leuven team and the ULg teams allows us to proceed from the raw observational data to the theoretical models giving the best fits to the COROT data. Four fields are addressed:
- Asteroseismology with COROT,
- Exploration of COROT exoplanet data,
- Photometric monitoring of QSOs/AGN with COROT,
- Detection of gravitational lensing events in binary systems, including the micro-quasar SS 433.
Satellite(s) or flight opportunity(ies):
- COROT
Field of research:
Space Sciences: Stellar Astrophysics and Extragalactic Astrophysics
