A Jupiter-sized planet called TOI-4860 b has been discovered by astronomers orbiting a low-mass star in the Corvus constellation. Uniquely rich in heavy elements, this planet doesn’t align with traditional theories of planet formation. This discovery not only helps to understand the attributes of ‘Warm Jupiters’ but also offers fresh insights into the planet creation process, potentially accelerated by a wealth of heavy elements.
Astronomers have found a planet of Jupiter’s size, TOI-4860 b, around a low-mass star, contradicting the prevalent theories regarding planet formation.
An international research team has identified an atypical Jupiter-sized planet circling a low-mass star named TOI-4860 within the Corvus constellation.
TOI-4860 b, the newly detected gas giant, is unusual due to two reasons: the unlikeliness of such low-mass stars hosting Jupiter-like planets, and the specific abundance of heavy elements in the planet.
A research team from the University of Birmingham led the study, and its findings were published earlier this month in a letter in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
As per the widely accepted model of planet formation, lower-mass stars are accompanied by less massive material discs, from which planets form, and thus it was not expected for massive planets like Jupiter to form around them.
— George Dransfield, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham
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Techniques and Approach to the Discovery
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite was initially used to spot the planet by observing a decrease in brightness as it transited its host star. However, this alone was not enough for confirmation.
Further validation was obtained using the SPECULOOS South Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, along with a Japanese team using the Subaru Telescope in Hawai’i to determine the planet’s mass. No change in light was observed before or after the planet disappeared behind its host star, confirming that it did not emit any light.
The initiative to follow this star and confirm its planetary status was taken by a group of PhD students within the SPECULOOS project.
“The planetary properties hint at an enrichment in heavy elements. Similar indications were found in the host star, suggesting that an abundance of heavy elements might have catalyzed the formation process of the planet.”
— Professor Amaury Triaud, University of Birmingham
Questioning Long-standing Beliefs
George Dransfield, who is preparing her thesis at the University of Birmingham, explains that traditional thinking posits a correlation between a star’s mass and the material disc around it, leading to an expectation that high-mass planets like Jupiter would not form around low-mass stars. TOI-4860 provides the first evidence to challenge this assumption.
New Perspectives on Planet Formation
Professor Amaury Triaud, who guided the study, has commended the work of his PhD students and emphasized that planets like TOI-4860 are essential for advancing the understanding of planetary genesis.
“Planetary properties enriched in heavy elements, mirrored in the host star, suggest that the abundance of these elements likely facilitated the formation process of the planet.”
Features and Continued Exploration
With an orbital period of approximately 1.52 days, the new gas giant, a ‘Warm Jupiter,’ offers a unique opportunity to study atmospheric properties and contributes to understanding the formation of such planets.
Mathilde Timmermans, a student of the SPECULOOS project in Belgium, concludes: “The discovery of TOI-4860 b presents an excellent chance to investigate a warm Jupiter and enhances our knowledge about the formation of gas giants.”
The team has secured time at the Very Large Telescope in Chile for future observations and confirmation of more similar planets.
Reference: “An M dwarf accompanied by a close-in giant orbiter with SPECULOOS” by a group of researchers, published on 4 August 2023, in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters.
DOI: 10.1093/mnrasl/slad097
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: exoplanet discovery
What is the newly discovered exoplanet TOI-4860 b?
TOI-4860 b is a unique Jupiter-sized planet orbiting a low-mass star in the Corvus constellation. Enriched with heavy elements, it defies traditional models of planet formation and is classified as a ‘Warm Jupiter’.
Where was the exoplanet TOI-4860 b discovered?
The exoplanet was discovered orbiting a low-mass star called TOI-4860, located in the Corvus constellation. The discovery was made using tools such as NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and the SPECULOOS South Observatory.
Why is the discovery of TOI-4860 b significant?
The discovery of TOI-4860 b is significant because it challenges established beliefs about planet formation. Its enrichment with heavy elements and its existence around a low-mass star contradict conventional theories and offer a chance to study the atmospheric properties of ‘Warm Jupiters’.
Who led the study of the exoplanet TOI-4860 b?
The study was led by Professor Amaury Triaud from the University of Birmingham. It also involved international collaboration and was an initiative taken by a group of PhD students within the SPECULOOS project.
What makes TOI-4860 b an unusual planet?
TOI-4860 b is unusual for two reasons: stars of such low mass were not expected to host planets like Jupiter, and the planet appears to be particularly enriched by heavy elements. It is also referred to as a ‘Warm Jupiter’ because of its specific properties.
How will the discovery of TOI-4860 b contribute to astronomical studies?
The discovery of TOI-4860 b provides a brilliant opportunity to study the atmospheric properties of a warm Jupiter and learn more about how gas giants are formed. It will also likely lead to further insights and challenges to current theories about planet formation.
What tools and methods were used in the discovery of TOI-4860 b?
The planet was initially identified using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The team also used the SPECULOOS South Observatory, located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, to measure the planetary signal, and collaborated with a Japanese group using the Subaru Telescope in Hawai’i to fully confirm the planet’s mass.
More about fokus keyword: exoplanet discovery
- Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
- NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
- SPECULOOS South Observatory
- Subaru Telescope
6 comments
Warm Jupiters? Now i’m intrigued! Science never fails to amaze me… If only I could understand all these technical terms, lol.
i’m no scientist but this kind of discovery makes me wonder what else is out there and we still don’t know, exciting times ahead.
This new exoplanet is fascinating! But what does it mean by “enriched with heavy elements”? Can someone explain pls?
This discovery is mind-blowing! Can’t wait to see what other secrets the universe holds for us.
It’s a game changer for the field of astronomy, The more we discover, the more we realise how little we know, Can’t wait for more updates on this exoplanet.
What an amazing discovery. Planets like Jupiter aroun low-mass stars? Who would’ve thought. Goes to show, there’s stil a lot to learn in space exploration!