Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: We identify two classes of transiting planet, based on their equilibrium temperatures and Safronov numbers. We examine various possible explanations for the dichotomy. It may reflect the influence of planet or planetesimal scattering in determining when planetary migration stops. Another possibility is that some planets lose more mass to evaporation than others. If this evaporation process preferentially removes helium from the planet, the consequent reduction in the mean molecular weight may explain why some planets have anomalously large radii.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
DOI: 10.1086/523038
Authors: Brad M. S. Hansen, Travis Barman
Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, Lowell Observatory
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2093930634