Variations in Elemental Abundance Between Planet Hosting and Non-Planet Hosting Stellar Twins.

This research aims to identify potential variations in the elemental abundance of two groups of stellar twins. These stars are considered twins based on their identical temperature and overall metallicities, but are distinguished from one another by either the presence or the lack of planets. The stars selected for this research fit the criteria for twins, and were further related by their spectral lines of Fe I&II. Using Keck Observatory HIRES Archive data we measured the spectral lines in the interactive spectrum analysis code SPECTRE and we measured the abundances with the line analysis and spectrum synthesis code MOOG. By using stellar twins this study has constrained all variables in the abundances of the stars to the single variable of planetary formation. In my presentation I will discuss the results of this research concentrating on the differences in planet hosting stars. The results could shed light on previously unrecognized factors that influence planetary formation.