1. |
- Barragan, O., et al.
(author)
-
The young HD 73583 (TOI-560) planetary system: two 10-M-circle plus mini-Neptunes transiting a 500-Myr-old, bright, and active K dwarf
- 2022
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 514:2, s. 1606-1627
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the discovery and characterization of two transiting planets observed by TESS in the light curves of the young and bright (V = 9.67) star HD73583 (TOI-560). We perform an intensive spectroscopic and photometric space- and ground-based follow-up in order to confirm and characterize the system. We found that HD73583 is a young (similar to 500 Myr) active star with a rotational period of 12.08 +/- 0.11 d, and a mass and radius of 0.73 +/- 0.02 M-circle dot and 0.65 +/- 0.02 R-circle dot, respectively. HD 73583 b (P-b = 6.3980420(-0.0000062)(+0.0000067 )d) has a mass and radius of 10.2(-3.1)(+3.4) M-circle plus and 2.79 +/- 0.10 R-circle plus, respectively, which gives a density of 2.58(-0.81)(+0.95) g cm(-3). HD 73583 c (P-c = 18.87974(-0.00074)(+0.00086) d) has a mass and radius of 9.7(-1.7)(+1.8) M-circle plus and 2.39(-0.09)(+0.10) R-circle plus, respectively, which translates to a density of 3.88(-0.80)(+0.91) g cm(-3). Both planets are consistent with worlds made of a solid core surrounded by a volatile envelope. Because of their youth and host star brightness, they both are excellent candidates to perform transmission spectroscopy studies. We expect ongoing atmospheric mass-loss for both planets caused by stellar irradiation. We estimate that the detection of evaporating signatures on H and He would be challenging, but doable with present and future instruments.
|
|
2. |
- Luque, R., et al.
(author)
-
A resonant sextuplet of sub-Neptunes transiting the bright star HD 110067
- 2023
-
In: Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 623:7989, s. 932-937
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Planets with radii between that of the Earth and Neptune (hereafter referred to as ‘sub-Neptunes’) are found in close-in orbits around more than half of all Sun-like stars 1,2. However, their composition, formation and evolution remain poorly understood 3. The study of multiplanetary systems offers an opportunity to investigate the outcomes of planet formation and evolution while controlling for initial conditions and environment. Those in resonance (with their orbital periods related by a ratio of small integers) are particularly valuable because they imply a system architecture practically unchanged since its birth. Here we present the observations of six transiting planets around the bright nearby star HD 110067. We find that the planets follow a chain of resonant orbits. A dynamical study of the innermost planet triplet allowed the prediction and later confirmation of the orbits of the rest of the planets in the system. The six planets are found to be sub-Neptunes with radii ranging from 1.94R ⊕ to 2.85R ⊕. Three of the planets have measured masses, yielding low bulk densities that suggest the presence of large hydrogen-dominated atmospheres.
|
|
3. |
- Nielsen, L. D., et al.
(author)
-
Mass determinations of the three mini-Neptunes transiting TOI-125
- 2020
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 492:4, s. 5399-5412
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, TESS, is currently carrying out an all-sky search for small planets transiting bright stars. In the first year of the TESS survey, a steady progress was made in achieving the mission's primary science goal of establishing bulk densities for 50 planets smaller than Neptune. During that year, the TESS's observations were focused on the southern ecliptic hemisphere, resulting in the discovery of three mini-Neptunes orbiting the star T01-125, a V = 11,0 KO dwarf. We present intensive HARPS radial velocity observations, yielding precise mass measurements for TO1-125b, TOI-125c, and TOI-125d. TOI-125b has an orbital period of 4,65 d, a radius of 2,726 + 0,075 RE, a mass of 9,50 0,88 ME, and is near the 2:1 mean motion resonance with TOI-125c at 9.15 d. TOI-125c has a similar radius of 2,759 0.10 RE and a mass of 6,63 + 0,99 ME, being the puffiest of the three planets. T01-125d has an orbital period of 19,98 d and a radius of 2.93 + 0,17 RE and mass 13,6 1,2 ME, For T01-125b and d, we find unusual high eccentricities of 0.19 0.04 and 0.17+(c):(!,(, respectively. Our analysis also provides upper mass limits for the two low-SNR planet candidates in the system; for T01-125.04 (Rp = 1.36 RE, P = 0.53 d), we find a 2a upper mass limit of 1.6 ME, whereas T01-125.05 (RP = 4.2-'2E44 RE, P = 13.28 d) is unlikely a viable planet candidate with an upper mass limit of 2.7 ME. We discuss the internal structure of the three confirmed planets, as well as dynamical stability and system architecture for this intriguing exoplanet system.
|
|
4. |
- Hoyer, S., et al.
(author)
-
TOI-220b: a warm sub-Neptune discovered by TESS
- 2021
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 505:3, s. 3361-3379
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we report the discovery of TOI-220b, a new sub-Neptune detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and confirmed by radial velocity follow-up observations with the HARPS spectrograph. Based on the combined analysis of TESS transit photometry and high precision radial velocity measurements, we estimate a planetary mass of 13.8 +/- 1.0M(circle plus) and radius of 3.03 +/- 0.15R(circle plus), implying a bulk density of 2.73 +/- 0.47. TOI-220b orbits a relative bright (V=10.4) and old (10.1 +/- 1.4Gyr) K dwarf star with a period of similar to 10.69d. Thus, TOI-220b is a new warm sub-Neptune with very precise mass and radius determinations. A Bayesian analysis of the TOI-220b internal structure indicates that due to the strong irradiation it receives, the low density of this planet could be explained with a steam atmosphere in radiative-convective equilibrium and a supercritical water layer on top of a differentiated interior made of a silicate mantle and a small iron core.
|
|
5. |
- Knudstrup, E., et al.
(author)
-
Radial velocity confirmation of a hot super-Neptune discovered by TESS with a warm Saturn-mass companion
- 2023
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 519:4, s. 5637-5655
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery and confirmation of the planetary system TOI-1288. This late G dwarf harbours two planets: TOI-1288 b and TOI-1288 c. We combine TESS space-borne and ground-based transit photometry with HARPS-N and HIRES high-precision Doppler measurements, which we use to constrain the masses of both planets in the system and the radius of planet b. TOI-1288 b has a period of 2.699835(-0.000003)(+0.000004) d, a radius of 5.24 +/- 0.09 R-circle plus, and a mass of 42 +/- 3 M-circle plus, making this planet a hot transiting super-Neptune situated right in the Neptunian desert. This desert refers to a paucity of Neptune-sized planets on short period orbits. Our 2.4-yr-long Doppler monitoring of TOI-1288 revealed the presence of a Saturn-mass planet on a moderately eccentric orbit (0.13(-0.09)(+0.07)) with a minimum mass of 84 +/- 7 M-circle plus and a period of 443(-13)(+11) d. The five sectors worth of TESS data do not cover our expected mid-transit time for TOI-1288 c, and we do not detect a transit for this planet in these sectors.
|
|
6. |
- Bluhm, P., et al.
(author)
-
Precise mass and radius of a transiting super-Earth planet orbiting the M dwarf TOI-1235: a planet in the radius gap?
- 2020
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 639
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the confirmation of a transiting planet around the bright weakly active M0.5 V star TOI-1235 (TYC 4384-1735-1, V ≈ 11.5 mag), whose transit signal was detected in the photometric time series of sectors 14, 20, and 21 of the TESS space mission. We confirm the planetary nature of the transit signal, which has a period of 3.44 d, by using precise RV measurements with the CARMENES, HARPS-N, and iSHELL spectrographs, supplemented by high-resolution imaging and ground-based photometry. A comparison of the properties derived for TOI-1235 b with theoretical models reveals that the planet has a rocky composition, with a bulk density slightly higher than that of Earth. In particular, we measure a mass of Mp = 5.9 ± 0.6 M⊕ and a radius of Rp = 1.69 ± 0.08 R⊕, which together result in a density of ρp = 6.7- 1.1+ 1.3 g cm-3. When compared with other well-characterized exoplanetary systems, the particular combination of planetary radius and mass places our discovery in the radius gap, which is a transition region between rocky planets and planets with significant atmospheric envelopes. A few examples of planets occupying the radius gap are known to date. While the exact location of the radius gap for M dwarfs is still a matter of debate, our results constrain it to be located at around 1.7 R⊕ or larger at the insolation levels received by TOI-1235 b (~60 S⊕). This makes it an extremely interesting object for further studies of planet formation and atmospheric evolution.
|
|
7. |
- Cabrera, J., et al.
(author)
-
The planetary system around HD 190622 (TOI-1054): Measuring the gas content of low-mass planets orbiting F-stars
- 2023
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 675
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Giant planets are known to dominate the long-term stability of planetary systems due to their prevailing gravitational interactions, but they are also thought to play an important role in planet formation. Observational constraints improve our understanding of planetary formation processes such as the delivery of volatile-rich planetesimals from beyond the ice line into the inner planetary system. Additional constraints may come from studies of the atmosphere, but almost all such studies of the atmosphere investigate the detection of certain species, and abundances are not routinely quantitatively measured. Aims. Accurate measurements of planetary bulk parameters-that is, mass and density-provide constraints on the inner structure and chemical composition of transiting planets. This information provides insight into properties such as the amounts of volatile species, which in turn can be related to formation and evolution processes. Methods. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) reported a planetary candidate around HD 190622 (TOI-1054), which was subsequently validated and found to merit further characterization with photometric and spectroscopic facilities. The KESPRINT collaboration used data from the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) to independently confirm the planetary candidate, securing its mass, and revealing the presence of an outer giant planet in the system. The CHEOPS consortium invested telescope time in the transiting target in order to reduce the uncertainty on the radius, improving the characterization of the planet. Results. We present the discovery and characterization of the planetary system around HD 190622 (TOI-1054). This system hosts one transiting planet, which is smaller than Neptune (3.087-0.053+0.058REarth, 7.7 ± 1.0 MEarth) but has a similar bulk density (1.43 ± 0.21 g cm-3) and an orbital period of 16 days; and a giant planet, not known to be transiting, with a minimum mass of 227.0 ± 6.7 MEarth in an orbit with a period of 315 days. Conclusions. Our measurements constrain the structure and composition of the transiting planet. HD 190622b has singular properties among the known population of transiting planets, which we discuss in detail. Among the sub-Neptune-sized planets known today, this planet stands out because of its large gas content.
|
|
8. |
- Esposito, M., et al.
(author)
-
HD 219666 b: a hot-Neptune from TESS Sector 1
- 2019
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 623:623
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the confirmation and mass determination of a transiting planet orbiting the old and inactive G7 dwarf star HD219666 (M-star = 0.92 +/- 0.03 M-circle dot, R-star = 1.03 +/- 0.03 R-circle dot, tau(star) = 10 +/- 2 Gyr). With a mass of M-b = 16.6 +/- 1.3 M-circle plus, a radius of R-b = 4.71 +/- 0.17 R-circle plus, and an orbital period of P-orb similar or equal to 6 days, HD219666 b is a new member of a rare class of exoplanets: the hot-Neptunes. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observed HD219666 (also known as TOI-118) in its Sector 1 and the light curve shows four transit-like events, equally spaced in time. We confirmed the planetary nature of the candidate by gathering precise radial-velocity measurements with the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) at ESO 3.6 m. We used the co-added HARPS spectrum to derive the host star fundamental parameters (T-eff = 5527 +/- 65 K, log g(star) = 4.40 +/- 0.11 (cgs), [Fe/H] = 0.04 +/- 0.04 dex, log R-HK' = -5.07 +/- 0.03), as well as the abundances of many volatile and refractory elements. The host star brightness (V = 9.9) makes it suitable for further characterisation by means of in-transit spectroscopy. The determination of the planet orbital obliquity, along with the atmospheric metal-to-hydrogen content and thermal structure could provide us with important clues on the formation mechanisms of this class of objects.
|
|
9. |
- Alqasim, A., et al.
(author)
-
TOI−757 b: an eccentric transiting mini−Neptune on a 17.5−d orbit
- 2024
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 533:1, s. 1-26
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the spectroscopic confirmation and fundamental properties of TOI−757 b, a mini−Neptune on a 17.5−d orbit transiting a bright star (V = 9.7 mag) discovered by the TESS mission. We acquired high−precision radial velocity measurements with the HARPS, ESPRESSO, and PFS spectrographs to confirm the planet detection and determine its mass. We also acquired space−borne transit photometry with the CHEOPS space telescope to place stronger constraints on the planet radius, supported with ground−based LCOGT photometry. WASP and KELT photometry were used to help constrain the stellar rotation period. We also determined the fundamental parameters of the host star. We find that TOI−757 b has a radius of Rp = 2.5 ± 0.1R. and a mass of Mp = 10.5+−2212M, implying a bulk density of ρp = 3.6 ± 0.8 g cm−3. Our internal composition modelling was unable to constrain the composition of TOI−757 b, highlighting the importance of atmospheric observations for the system. We also find the planet to be highly eccentric with e = 0.39+−000708, making it one of the very few highly eccentric planets among precisely characterized mini−Neptunes. Based on comparisons to other similar eccentric systems, we find a likely scenario for TOI−757 b’s formation to be high eccentricity migration due to a distant outer companion. We additionally propose the possibility of a more intrinsic explanation for the high eccentricity due to star−star interactions during the earlier epoch of the Galactic disc formation, given the low metallicity and older age of TOI−757.
|
|
10. |
- Georgieva, Iskra, 1987, et al.
(author)
-
Hot planets around cool stars - two short-period mini-Neptunes transiting the late K-dwarf TOI-1260
- 2021
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 505:4, s. 4684-4701
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the discovery and characterization of two sub-Neptunes in close orbits, as well as a tentative outer planet of a similar size, orbiting TOI-1260 - a low metallicity K6V dwarf star. Photometry from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS) yields radii of R-b = 2.33 +/- 0.10 and R-c = 2.82 +/- 0.15 R-circle plus, and periods of 3.13 and 7.49 d for TOI-1260b and TOI-1260c, respectively. We combined the TESS data with a series of ground-based follow-up observations to characterize the planetary system. From HARPS-N high-precision radial velocities we obtain M-b = and M-c = M-circle plus. The star is moderately active with a complex activity pattern, which necessitated the use of Gaussian process regression for both the light-curve detrending and the radial velocity modelling, in the latter case guided by suitable activity indicators. We successfully disentangle the stellar-induced signal from the planetary signals, underlining the importance and usefulness of the Gaussian process approach. We test the system's stability against atmospheric photoevaporation and find that the TOI-1260 planets are classic examples of the structure and composition ambiguity typical for the 2-3 R-circle plus range.
|
|
11. |
- Van Eylen, Vincent, et al.
(author)
-
Masses and compositions of three small planets orbiting the nearby M dwarf L231-32 (TOI-270) and the M dwarf radius valley
- 2021
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 507:2, s. 2154-2173
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on precise Doppler measurements of L231-32 (TOI-270), a nearby M dwarf (d = 22 pc, M = 0.39 M, R = 0.38 R), which hosts three transiting planets that were recently discovered using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The three planets are 1.2, 2.4, and 2.1 times the size of Earth and have orbital periods of 3.4, 5.7, and 11.4 d. We obtained 29 high-resolution optical spectra with the newly commissioned Echelle Spectrograph for Rocky Exoplanet and Stable Spectroscopic Observations (ESPRESSO) and 58 spectra using the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS). From these observations, we find the masses of the planets to be 1.58 ± 0.26, 6.15 ± 0.37, and 4.78 ± 0.43 M, respectively. The combination of radius and mass measurements suggests that the innermost planet has a rocky composition similar to that of Earth, while the outer two planets have lower densities. Thus, the inner planet and the outer planets are on opposite sides of the 'radius valley'-a region in the radius-period diagram with relatively few members-which has been interpreted as a consequence of atmospheric photoevaporation. We place these findings into the context of other small close-in planets orbiting M dwarf stars, and use support vector machines to determine the location and slope of the M dwarf (Teff < 4000 K) radius valley as a function of orbital period. We compare the location of the M dwarf radius valley to the radius valley observed for FGK stars, and find that its location is a good match to photoevaporation and core-powered mass-loss models. Finally, we show that planets below the M dwarf radius valley have compositions consistent with stripped rocky cores, whereas most planets above have a lower density consistent with the presence of a H-He atmosphere.
|
|
12. |
- Fridlund, Malcolm, 1952, et al.
(author)
-
Planets observed with CHEOPS: Two super-Earths orbiting the red dwarf star TOI-776
- 2024
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 684
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. M-dwarf stars are the most common of potential exoplanet host stars in the Galaxy. It is therefore very important to understand planetary systems orbiting such stars and to determine the physical parameters of such planets with high precision. Also with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) the observation of atmospheric parameters of planets orbiting these stars has begun. It is therefore required to determine properties of potential targets. Aims. Two planets around the red dwarf TOI-776 were detected by TESS. The objective of our study was to use transit observations obtained by the CHEOPS space mission to improve the current precision of the planetary radii, as well as additional radial velocity (RV) data in order to improve mass estimates of the two planets. Using these quantities, we wanted to derive the bulk densities of those planets, improving the precision in earlier results, and use this information to put them in context of other exoplanetary systems involving very low mass stars. Methods. Utilizing new transit data from the CHEOPS satellite and its photometric telescope, we obtained very high precision planetary transit measurements. Interpretation of these provides updated planetary radii, along with other system parameters. A concurrent ESO large observing program using the high precision spectrograph HARPS has doubled the available radial velocity data. Calculating the power spectrum of a number of stellar activity indices we update the previously estimated stellar rotation period to a lower value. Results. The CHEOPS data provide precise transit depths of 909 and 1177 ppm translating into radii of Rb = 1.798-0.077+0.078 R⊕ and Rc = 2.047-0.078+0.081 R⊕, respectively. Our interpretation of the radial velocities and activity indicator time series data estimates a stellar rotation period for this early M dwarf of ~21.1 days. A further multi-dimensional Gaussian process approach confirm this new estimate. By performing a Skew-Normal (SN) fit onto the Cross Correlation Functions we extracted the RV data and the activity indicators to estimate the planetary masses, obtaining Mb = 5.0-1.6+1.6 M⊕ and Mc = 6.9-2.5+2.6 M⊕. Conclusions. We improve the precision in planetary radius for TOI-776 b and c by a factor of more than two. Our data and modelling give us parameters of both bodies consistent with mini-Neptunes, albeit with a relatively high density. The stellar activity of TOI-776 is found to have increased by a factor larger than 2 since the last set of observations.
|
|
13. |
- Fridlund, Malcolm, 1952, et al.
(author)
-
The TOI-763 system: Sub-Neptunes orbiting a Sun-like star
- 2020
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 498:3, s. 4503-4517
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery of a planetary system orbiting TOI-763(aka CD-39 7945), a V = 10.2, high proper motion G-type dwarf star that was photometrically monitored by the TESS space mission in Sector 10. We obtain and model the stellar spectrum and find an object slightly smaller than the Sun, and somewhat older, but with a similar metallicity. Two planet candidates were found in the light curve to be transiting the star. Combining TESS transit photometry with HARPS high-precision radial velocity (RV) follow-up measurements confirm the planetary nature of these transit signals. We determine masses, radii, and bulk densities of these two planets. A third planet candidate was discovered serendipitously in the RV data. The inner transiting planet, TOI-763 b, has an orbital period of Pb = 5.6 d, a mass of Mb = 9.8 ± 0.8 M⊕, and a radius of Rb = 2.37 ± 0.10 R⊕. The second transiting planet, TOI-763 c, has an orbital period of Pc = 12.3 d, a mass of Mc = 9.3 ± 1.0 M⊕, and a radius of Rc = 2.87 ± 0.11 R⊕. We find the outermost planet candidate to orbit the star with a period of ∼48 d. If confirmed as a planet, it would have a minimum mass of Md = 9.5 ± 1.6 M⊕. We investigated the TESS light curve in order to search for a mono transit by planet d without success. We discuss the importance and implications of this planetary system in terms of the geometrical arrangements of planets orbiting G-type stars.
|
|
14. |
- Lam, K. W.F., et al.
(author)
-
GJ 367b: A dense, ultrashort-period sub-Earth planet transiting a nearby red dwarf star
- 2021
-
In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 374:6572, s. 1271-1275
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ultrashort-period (USP) exoplanets have orbital periods shorter than 1 day. Precise masses and radii of USP exoplanets could provide constraints on their unknown formation and evolution processes. We report the detection and characterization of the USP planet GJ 367b using high-precision photometry and radial velocity observations. GJ 367b orbits a bright (V-band magnitude of 10.2), nearby, and red (M-type) dwarf star every 7.7 hours. GJ 367b has a radius of 0.718 ± 0.054 Earth-radii and a mass of 0.546 ± 0.078 Earth-masses, making it a sub-Earth planet. The corresponding bulk density is 8.106 ± 2.165 grams per cubic centimeter—close to that of iron. An interior structure model predicts that the planet has an iron core radius fraction of 86 ± 5%, similar to that of Mercury’s interior.
|
|
15. |
- Deeg, H., et al.
(author)
-
TOI-1416: A system with a super-Earth planet with a 1.07 d period
- 2023
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 677
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- TOI-1416 (BD+42 2504, HIP 70705) is a V =10 late G- or early K-type dwarf star. TESS detected transits in its Sectors 16, 23, and 50 with a depth of about 455 ppm and a period of 1.07 days. Radial velocities (RVs) confirm the presence of the transiting planet TOI-1416 b, which has a mass of 3.48 ± 0.47 M• and a radius of 1.62 ± 0.08 R•, implying a slightly sub-Earth density of 4.500.83+0.99 g cm3. The RV data also further indicate a tentative planet, c, with a period of 27.4 or 29.5 days, whose nature cannot be verified due to strong suspicions of contamination by a signal related to the Moon s synodic period of 29.53 days. The nearly ultra-short-period planet TOI-1416 b is a typical representative of a short-period and hot (Teq ≈ 1570 K) super-Earth-like planet. A planet model of an interior of molten magma containing a significant fraction of dissolved water provides a plausible explanation for its composition, and its atmosphere could be suitable for transmission spectroscopy with JWST. The position of TOI-1416 b within the radius-period distribution corroborates the idea that planets with periods of less than one day do not form any special group. It instead implies that ultra-short-period planets belong to a continuous distribution of super-Earth-like planets with periods ranging from the shortest known ones up to ≈ 30 days; their period-radius distribution is delimited against larger radii by the Neptune Desert and by the period-radius valley that separates super-Earths from sub-Neptune planets. In the abundance of small, short-periodic planets, a notable plateau has emerged between periods of 0.6- 1.4 days, which is compatible with the low-eccentricity formation channel. For the Neptune Desert, its lower limits required a revision due to the increasing population of short-period planets; for periods shorter then 2 days, we establish a radius of 1.6 R• and a mass of 0.028 Mjup (corresponding to 8.9 M•) as the desert s lower limits. We also provide corresponding limits to the Neptune Desert against the planets insolation and effective temperatures.
|
|
16. |
- Gandolfi, D., et al.
(author)
-
The Transiting Multi-planet System HD15337: Two Nearly Equal-mass Planets Straddling the Radius Gap
- 2019
-
In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - : American Astronomical Society. - 2041-8213 .- 2041-8205. ; 876:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery of a super-Earth and a sub-Neptune transiting the star HD 15337 (TOI-402, TIC 120896927), a bright (V = 9) K1 dwarf observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in Sectors 3 and 4. We combine the TESS photometry with archival High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher spectra to confirm the planetary nature of the transit signals and derive the masses of the two transiting planets. With an orbital period of 4.8 days, a mass of {7.51}-1.01+1.09 {M}\oplus and a radius of 1.64 ± 0.06 R ⊕, HD 15337 b joins the growing group of short-period super-Earths known to have a rocky terrestrial composition. The sub-Neptune HD 15337 c has an orbital period of 17.2 days, a mass of {8.11}-1.69+1.82 {{{M}}}\oplus , and a radius of 2.39 ± 0.12 R ⊕, suggesting that the planet might be surrounded by a thick atmospheric envelope. The two planets have similar masses and lie on opposite sides of the radius gap, and are thus an excellent testbed for planet formation and evolution theories. Assuming that HD 15337 c hosts a hydrogen-dominated envelope, we employ a recently developed planet atmospheric evolution algorithm in a Bayesian framework to estimate the history of the high-energy (extreme ultraviolet and X-ray) emission of the host star. We find that at an age of 150 Myr, the star possessed on average between 3.7 and 127 times the high-energy luminosity of the current Sun.
|
|
17. |
- Hatzes, A., et al.
(author)
-
A Radial Velocity Study of the Planetary System of π Mensae: Improved Planet Parameters for pi Mensae c and a Third Planet on a 125 Day Orbit
- 2022
-
In: Astronomical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 1538-3881 .- 0004-6256. ; 163:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- π Men hosts a transiting planet detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite space mission and an outer planet in a 5.7 yr orbit discovered by radial velocity (RV) surveys. We studied this system using new RV measurements taken with the HARPS spectrograph on ESO's 3.6 m telescope, as well as archival data. We constrain the stellar RV semiamplitude due to the transiting planet, π Men c, as K c = 1.21 ± 0.12 m s-1, resulting in a planet mass of M c = 3.63 ± 0.38 M. A planet radius of R c = 2.145 ± 0.015 R yields a bulk density of ρ c = 2.03 ± 0.22 g cm-3. The precisely determined density of this planet and the brightness of the host star make π Men c an excellent laboratory for internal structure and atmospheric characterization studies. Our HARPS RV measurements also reveal compelling evidence for a third body, π Men d, with a minimum mass M d sin i d = 13.38 ± 1.35 M orbiting with a period of P orb,d = 125 days on an eccentric orbit (e d = 0.22). A simple dynamical analysis indicates that the orbit of π Men d is stable on timescales of at least 20 Myr. Given the mutual inclination between the outer gaseous giant and the inner rocky planet and the presence of a third body at 125 days, π Men is an important planetary system for dynamical and formation studies.
|
|
18. |
- Luque, R., et al.
(author)
-
A planetary system with two transiting mini-Neptunes near the radius valley transition around the bright M dwarf TOI-776
- 2021
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 645
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery and characterization of two transiting planets around the bright M1 V star LP 961-53 (TOI-776, J = 8.5 mag, M = 0.54 ± 0.03 M⊙) detected during Sector 10 observations of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Combining the TESS photometry with HARPS radial velocities, as well as ground-based follow-up transit observations from the MEarth and LCOGT telescopes, for the inner planet, TOI-776 b, we measured a period of Pb = 8.25 d, a radius of Rb = 1.85 ± 0.13 R⊙, and a mass of Mb = 4.0 ± 0.9 M⊙; and for the outer planet, TOI-776 c, a period of Pc = 15.66 d, a radius of Rc = 2.02 ± 0.14 R⊙, and a mass of Mc = 5.3 ± 1.8 M⊙. The Doppler data shows one additional signal, with a period of ~34 d, associated with the rotational period of the star. The analysis of fifteen years of ground-based photometric monitoring data and the inspection of different spectral line indicators confirm this assumption. The bulk densities of TOI-776 b and c allow for a wide range of possible interior and atmospheric compositions. However, both planets have retained a significant atmosphere, with slightly different envelope mass fractions. Thanks to their location near the radius gap for M dwarfs, we can start to explore the mechanism(s) responsible for the radius valley emergence around low-mass stars as compared to solar-like stars. While a larger sample of well-characterized planets in this parameter space is still needed to draw firm conclusions, we tentatively estimate that the stellar mass below which thermally-driven mass loss is no longer the main formation pathway for sculpting the radius valley is between 0.63 and 0.54 M⊙. Due to the brightness of the star, the TOI-776 system is also an excellent target for the James Webb Space Telescope, providing a remarkable laboratory in which to break the degeneracy in planetary interior models and to test formation and evolution theories of small planets around low-mass stars.
|
|
19. |
- Luque, R., et al.
(author)
-
Detection and characterization of an ultra-dense sub-Neptunian planet orbiting the Sun-like star K2-292
- 2019
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 623
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the discovery and characterization of a new transiting planet from Campaign 17 of the Kepler extended mission K2. The planet K2-292 b is a warm sub-Neptune on a 17 day orbit around a bright (V = 9.9 mag) solar-like G3 V star with a mass and radius of M⋆ = 1.00 ± 0.03 M⊙ and R⋆ = 1.09 ± 0.03 R⊙, respectively. We modeled simultaneously the K2 photometry and CARMENES spectroscopic data and derived a radius of Rp=2.63-0.10+0.12 R⊕ and mass of Mp=24.5-4.4+4.4 M⊕, yielding a mean density of ρp=7.4-1.5+1.6 g cm-3, which makes it one of the densest sub-Neptunian planets known to date. We also detected a linear trend in the radial velocities of K2-292 (γ˙RV = -0.40-0.07+0.07 m s-1 d-1) that suggests a long-period companion with a minimum mass on the order of 33 M⊕. If confirmed, it would support a formation scenario of K2-292 b by migration caused by Kozai-Lidov oscillations.
|
|
20. |
- Niraula, P., et al.
(author)
-
Three Super-Earths Transiting the Nearby Star GJ 9827
- 2017
-
In: Astronomical Journal. - : American Astronomical Society. - 1538-3881 .- 0004-6256. ; 154:6, s. 266-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the discovery of three transiting planets around GJ 9827. The planets have radii of 1.75 ± 0.18, 1.36 ± 0.14, and 2.11_-0.21^+0.22 R⊕, and periods of 1.20896, 3.6480, and 6.2014 days, respectively. The detection was made in Campaign 12 observations as part of our K2 survey of nearby stars. GJ 9827 is a V = 10.39 mag K6V star at a distance of 30.3 ± 1.6 parsecs and the nearest star to be found hosting planets by Kepler and K2. The radial velocity follow-up, high-resolution imaging, and detection of multiple transiting objects near commensurability drastically reduce the false positive probability. The orbital periods of GJ 9827 b, c, and d planets are very close to the 1:3:5 mean motion resonance. Our preliminary analysis shows that GJ 9827 planets are excellent candidates for atmospheric observations. Besides, the planetary radii span both sides of the rocky and gaseous divide, hence the system will be an asset in expanding our understanding of the threshold.
|
|
21. |
- Serrano, L. M., et al.
(author)
-
A low-eccentricity migration pathway for a 13-h-period Earth analogue in a four-planet system
- 2022
-
In: Nature Astronomy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2397-3366. ; 6:6, s. 736-750
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is commonly accepted that exoplanets with orbital periods shorter than one day, also known as ultra-short-period (USP) planets, formed further out within their natal protoplanetary disks before migrating to their current-day orbits via dynamical interactions. One of the most accepted theories suggests a violent scenario involving high-eccentricity migration followed by tidal circularization. Here we present the discovery of a four-planet system orbiting the bright (V = 10.5) K6 dwarf star TOI-500. The innermost planet is a transiting, Earth-sized USP planet with an orbital period of ~13 hours, a mass of 1.42 ± 0.18 M⊕, a radius of 1.166−0.058+0.061R⊕ and a mean density of 4.89−0.88+1.03gcm−3. Via Doppler spectroscopy, we discovered that the system hosts 3 outer planets on nearly circular orbits with periods of 6.6, 26.2 and 61.3 days and minimum masses of 5.03 ± 0.41 M⊕, 33.12 ± 0.88 M⊕ and 15.05−1.11+1.12M⊕, respectively. The presence of both a USP planet and a low-mass object on a 6.6-day orbit indicates that the architecture of this system can be explained via a scenario in which the planets started on low-eccentricity orbits then moved inwards through a quasi-static secular migration. Our numerical simulations show that this migration channel can bring TOI-500 b to its current location in 2 Gyr, starting from an initial orbit of 0.02 au. TOI-500 is the first four-planet system known to host a USP Earth analogue whose current architecture can be explained via a non-violent migration scenario.
|
|
22. |
- Smith, Alexis M. S., et al.
(author)
-
K2-99 revisited: A non-inflated warm Jupiter, and a temperate giant planet on a 522-d orbit around a subgiant
- 2022
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 510:4, s. 5035-5049
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report new photometric and spectroscopic observations of the K2-99 planetary system. Asteroseismic analysis of the short-cadence light curve from K2's Campaign 17 allows us to refine the stellar properties. We find K2-99 to be significantly smaller than previously thought, with R = 2.55 ± 0.02 R. The new light curve also contains four transits of K2-99 b, which we use to improve our knowledge of the planetary properties. We find the planet to be a non-inflated warm Jupiter, with Rb = 1.06 ± 0.01 RJup. 60 new radial velocity measurements from HARPS, HARPS-N, and HIRES enable the determination of the orbital parameters of K2-99 c, which were previously poorly constrained. We find that this outer planet has a minimum mass Mcsin ic = 8.4 ± 0.2 MJup, and an eccentric orbit (ec = 0.210 ± 0.009) with a period of 522.2 ± 1.4 d. Upcoming TESS observations in 2022 have a good chance of detecting the transit of this planet, if the mutual inclination between the two planetary orbits is small.
|
|
23. |
- Hidalgo, D., et al.
(author)
-
Three planets transiting the evolved star EPIC 249893012: a hot 8.8-Mearth super-Earth and two warm 14.7 and 10.2-Mearth sub-Neptunes
- 2020
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 636
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery of a new planetary system with three transiting planets, one super-Earth and two sub-Neptunes, that orbit EPIC 249893012, a G8 IV-V evolved star (M⋆ = 1.05 ± 0.05 M☉, R⋆ = 1.71 ± 0.04 R☉, Teff = 5430 ± 85 K). The star is just leaving the main sequence. We combined K2 photometry with IRCS adaptive-optics imaging and HARPS, HARPS-N, and CARMENES high-precision radial velocity measurements to confirm the planetary system, determine the stellar parameters, and measure radii, masses, and densities of the three planets. With an orbital period of 3.5949-0.0007+0.0007days, a mass of 8.75-1.08+1.09 M⊕, and a radius of 1.95-0.08+0.09 R⊕, the inner planet b is compatible with nickel-iron core and a silicate mantle (ρb = 6.39-1.04+1.19 g cm-3). Planets c and d with orbital periods of 15.624-0.001+0.001 and 35.747-0.005+0.005 days, respectively, have masses and radii of 14.67-1.89+1,84 M⊕ and 3.67-0.14+0.17 R⊕ and 10.18-2.42+2.46 M⊕ and 3.94-0.12+0.13 R⊕, respectively, yielding a mean density of 1.62-0.29+0.30 and 0.91-0.23+0.25 g cm-3, respectively. The radius of planet b lies in the transition region between rocky and gaseous planets, but its density is consistent with a rocky composition. Its semimajor axis and the corresponding photoevaporation levels to which the planet has been exposed might explain its measured density today. In contrast, the densities and semimajor axes of planets c and d suggest a very thick atmosphere. The singularity of this system, which orbits a slightly evolved star that is just leaving the main sequence, makes it a good candidate for a deeper study from a dynamical point of view.
|
|
24. |
- Korth, J., et al.
(author)
-
K2-140b and K2-180b - Characterization of a hot Jupiter and a mini-Neptune from the K2 mission
- 2019
-
In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 482:2, s. 1807-1823
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the independent discovery and characterization of two K2 planets: K2-180b, a mini-Neptune-sized planet in an 8.9-d orbit transiting a V = 12.6 mag, metal-poor ([Fe/H] = -0.65 ± 0.10) K2V star in K2 campaign 5; K2-140b, a transiting hot Jupiter in a 6.6-d orbit around a V = 12.6 mag G6V ([Fe/H] = + 0.10 ± 0.10) star in K2 campaign 10. Our results are based on K2 time-series photometry combined with high-spatial resolution imaging and high-precision radial velocity measurements. We present the first mass measurement of K2-180b. K2-180b has a mass of Mp = 11.3 ± 1.9 M_Earth and a radius of Rp = 2.2 ± 0.1 R_Earth, yielding a mean density of ρp = 5.6 ± 1.9 g cm-3, suggesting a rocky composition. Given its radius, K2-180b is above the region of the so-called `planetary radius gap'. K2-180b is in addition not only one of the densest mini-Neptune-sized planets, but also one of the few mini-Neptune-sized planets known to transit a metal-poor star. We also constrain the planetary and orbital parameters of K2-140b and show that, given the currently available Doppler measurements, the eccentricity is consistent with zero, contrary to the results of a previous study.
|
|
25. |
- Luque, R., et al.
(author)
-
Precise mass determination for the keystone sub-Neptune planet transiting the mid-type M dwarf G 9-40
- 2022
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 666
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Despite being a prominent subset of the exoplanet population discovered in the past three decades, the nature and provenance of sub-Neptune-sized planets is still one of the open questions in exoplanet science. Aims. For planets orbiting bright stars, precisely measuring the orbital and planet parameters of the system is the best approach to distinguish between competing theories regarding their formation and evolution. Methods. We obtained 69 new radial velocity observations of the mid-M dwarf G 9-40 with the CARMENES instrument to measure for the first time the mass of its transiting sub-Neptune planet, G 9-40 b, discovered in data from the K2 mission. Results. Combined with new observations from the TESS mission during Sectors 44, 45, and 46, we are able to measure the radius of the planet to an uncertainty of 3.4% (R-b = 1.900 +/- 0.065 R-circle plus) and determine its mass with a precision of 16% (M-b = 4.00 +/- 0.63 M-circle plus). The resulting bulk density of the planet is inconsistent with a terrestrial composition and suggests the presence of either a water-rich core or a significant hydrogen-rich envelope. Conclusions. G 9-40 b is referred to as a keystone planet due to its location in period-radius space within the radius valley. Several theories offer explanations for the origin and properties of this population and this planet is a valuable target for testing the dependence of those models on stellar host mass. By virtue of its brightness and small size of the host, it joins L 98-59 d as one of the two best warm (T-eq similar to 400 K) sub-Neptunes for atmospheric characterization with JWST, which will probe cloud formation in sub-Neptune-sized planets and break the degeneracies of internal composition models.
|
|