Princeton University Thunch Talk

Direct-imaging surveys are gradually filling in the parameter space of massive substellar objects (brown dwarfs and giant exoplanets) at wide orbital separations (>1 au). As statistically large samples of such objects are built up, we can begin to answer intriguing questions about their formation and evolution, both individually and as a population: How do these objects form? Do they migrate to their current locations or form in place? Why are they so rare? Orbit-fitting, in addition to atmospheric characterization, is a primary tool for addressing these questions. In this talk, I'll present the newly upgraded version of orbitize!, an orbit-fitting tool designed to meet the needs of the direct-imaging community. I'll begin by discussing exciting past scientific results from members of our development team using orbitize!, focusing on the detection of different underlying eccentricity distributions for brown dwarfs and giant exoplanets and the first dynamical mass measurement of an exoplanet from astrometry alone. Next, I'll present the new features in version 2, and discuss ongoing scientific projects. I'll conclude by asking for the group's feedback and brainstorming future projects using orbitize!