Program: GN-2017B-Q-19

Young free-floating planets (<13 M_Jup) are of prime importance to investigate the low-mass initial mass function (IMF). Using the Pan-STARRS1 (PS1) 3pi survey, we are performing the largest (~370 deg2) and deepest (>3 M_Jup) search for young free-floating planets in the Taurus star-forming region. Our pilot IRTF/SpeX observations have increased the current planetary census in Taurus by 70% with a high success rate, including the lowest-mass objects in Taurus found to date. We propose to use Gemini/GNIRS for our 12 faintest candidates, with estimated masses of <5 M_Jup, firmly in planetary-mass regime. Upon completion, our survey should at least double the free-floating planets and bring a significant addition to the low-mass IMF in Taurus, providing a valuable test of planetary formation theories.