The primary objective of the MOST space mission is long-duration stellar photometry of high precision. The main goal is to achieve uninterrupted observations of low-amplitude multi-mode pulsating stars (roAp, Del Sct, Cepheid-like, and WR stars). We hope to be able to characterize the excitation of higher-order modes in all these pulsators. The instrument on MOST is being designed to achieve a level of precision to allow unambiguous detection of solar-like oscillations in other stars. We hope to be able to study the details of their power spectrum. We will particularly try to measure the p-mode splittings in a metal poor dwarf in an attempt to estimate directly its age and compare it to the ages of the oldest objects in our Galaxy. Observations of solar-like stars with close-in giant planets, like 51 Peg, will allow us to measure the reflected light from the planet along its orbit.
Successfully launched and working - June 30, 2003
A paper
on MOST by J. Matthews
Canadian Space Agency
Dynacon Enterprises Ltd. & U. of Toronto Institute of Aerospace Studies.
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