Impact Analysis: Unprecedented density and mass of exoplanet TOI-1853b could be indicative of significant planetary impacts, contributing to the understanding of planet formation. Image Credit: Jingyao Dou
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Indication of Potential Planetary Collisions from Newly Found Colossal Planet
A team of international astronomers has identified a planet roughly the size of Neptune but with a density exceeding that of steel. Researchers posit that this extraordinary composition could be an outcome of massive planetary collisions.
The mass of TOI-1853b is nearly double that of any planet of comparable size ever discovered. Additionally, its exceptionally high density indicates that its composition includes a greater percentage of rock than is normally anticipated for a planet of its size.
The findings were reported on August 31 in the scientific journal Nature, in a study led by Luca Naponiello from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. According to the study, such high density could have been the result of significant planetary impacts, which would have stripped the planet of some of its lighter elements and water, leaving behind a predominantly rocky mass.
Senior Research Associate and co-author, Dr. Phil Carter from the University of Bristol’s School of Physics, elucidated, “There is substantial evidence for energetic planetary collisions in our solar system, such as the formation of Earth’s Moon, as well as convincing evidence from a few exoplanets.
“In the vast spectrum of exoplanetary systems, many planets do not have a counterpart in our own solar system, but often their masses and compositions fall between that of the rocky planets and the ice giants Neptune and Uranus.”
Simulating the Effects of Extreme Planetary Collisions
Dr. Carter added, “Our role in this study was to create models of giant impacts capable of stripping the lighter elements and water or ice from the original, larger planet, thus resulting in the extraordinary density measured for TOI-1853b.”
“The originating planetary body would have likely needed to be abundant in water and sustain a high-velocity impact greater than 75 km/s to evolve into TOI-1853b as we currently observe it.”
The identification of this anomalous planet adds further evidence to theories suggesting the occurrence of massive impacts in the formation of planets across the galaxy. It bridges the gap between theories concerning planetary formation within our solar system and those involving exoplanets.
A Planet with Unprecedented Characteristics
Jingyao Dou, a postgraduate student and co-author, stated, “It is indeed surprising to find a planet of Neptune’s size with a density surpassing that of steel. Such an anomaly could only occur if the planet underwent extremely energetic collisions that resulted in the removal of lighter elements and water, thereby leaving a high-density, rock-rich planet.”
The research team now aims to conduct thorough follow-up observations on TOI-1853b to detect any remnants of its atmosphere and further analyze its composition.
Dr. Zoë Leinhardt, Associate Professor and co-author, concluded, “Such extreme giant impacts were not something we had previously anticipated. There is a significant amount of work ahead to enhance the material models underpinning our simulations and to broaden the spectrum of extreme giant impacts considered.”
Reference: “A super-massive Neptune-sized planet” by Luca Naponiello et al., published on 30 August 2023, in the journal Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06499-2
Computational simulations for this research were carried out using the facilities of the Advanced Computing Research Centre at the University of Bristol. Funding was provided by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the China Scholarship Council.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Neptune-sized exoplanet
What is the main finding of the research on exoplanet TOI-1853b?
The main finding is the discovery of a Neptune-sized exoplanet, TOI-1853b, that has an extraordinary density greater than that of steel. Researchers propose that this unique composition could be the result of massive planetary collisions.
Who conducted the research on this new exoplanet?
The research was conducted by an international team of astronomers led by Luca Naponiello from the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Where was the research published?
The study was published in the scientific journal Nature on August 31.
How does TOI-1853b differ from other Neptune-sized planets?
TOI-1853b has almost twice the mass of any other Neptune-sized planet previously discovered. Additionally, it has an exceptionally high density, suggesting a larger fraction of its composition is made up of rock.
What evidence supports the idea that TOI-1853b was formed through planetary collisions?
The extraordinarily high density and mass of TOI-1853b suggest that it may have been formed through significant planetary impacts, which could have stripped away some of its lighter elements and water, leaving a predominantly rocky mass behind.
What implications does this discovery have for understanding planetary formation?
The discovery provides new evidence supporting theories that massive interplanetary collisions play a role in the formation of planets, not only in our solar system but also in exoplanetary systems across the galaxy.
What are the next steps in this research?
The research team plans to conduct detailed follow-up observations of TOI-1853b to detect any remnants of its atmosphere and further analyze its composition.
What computational facilities were used for the research?
The simulations were performed using the computational facilities of the Advanced Computing Research Centre at the University of Bristol.
Who funded the research?
The research was funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the China Scholarship Council.
How does this discovery contribute to the field of astronomy?
The identification of TOI-1853b offers a unique case study that bridges theories concerning planetary formation within our solar system with those involving exoplanets, thereby advancing the understanding of planet formation processes.
More about Neptune-sized exoplanet
- Original Nature Study
- University of Rome Tor Vergata
- Advanced Computing Research Centre, University of Bristol
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- China Scholarship Council
- Journal of Nature
- University of Bristol’s School of Physics
10 comments
This is a game-changer in planet formation theories! Who woulda thought that planetary collisions can make a rock heavier than steel?
always fascinated by space but this is next level. When will we get to actually visit these kind of planets?
As an investor, I’m interested to see what new technologies will come out of this research. Space is def the next frontier for big business.
I wonder if blockchain could play a role in securely documenting these groundbreaking discoveries. Just a thought.
Kinda mind-blowing when you consider what this means for the universe as a whole. I mean, what else is out there?
Isn’t it funded by China scholarship council? Interesting to see China contributing to global space research like this.
makes u wonder what kind of natural resources could be on a planet like that. Hope we can study it without causing harm though.
I’m impressed with how this study opens up new avenues for understanding both our own solar system and distant exoplanetary systems. Big kudos to the team!
So, they used computational models to get these findings, right? curious to know how accurate these models are nowadays.
Wow, a Neptune-sized rock? That’s crazy. Space just keeps getting weirder and weirder. Can’t wait for the follow-up studies on this one.