Hunting for the lowest-mass exoplanets

Abstract

In order to understand general planet characteristics and constrain formation models it is necessary to scan over the widest possible parameter range of discovered systems. Due to detection biases, the domain of very-low mass planets had remained poorly explored. Only with improving measurement precision it has been possible to enter in the sub-Neptune mass range. The HARPS planet search program has been particularly efficient in detecting such ice giants and super earths. The present talk will summarize the obtained results and the characteristics of the low-mass population of exoplanets. © International Astronomical Union 2011.