Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: We investigate the rocky and volatile composition of small exoplanets by modeling the population-level distribution of densities using a mixture framework that links interior structure models to observable quantities. We analyze three complementary samples spanning different stellar environments: the Luque and Pallé M dwarf sample, the DACE M dwarf sample, and the DACE FGK sample. We consider a log-normal parameterization, which captures a characteristic core mass fraction (CMF) and the intrinsic dispersion to describe a single rocky population. The single rocky population inference suggests a higher CMF for small planets around FGK stars than those around M stars by ∼16% (7 σ –11 σ depending on sample selection). We also consider a power-law parameterization, which probes clustering near compositional boundaries at CMF = 0.32. The power-law parameterization provides an alternative interpretation: 89.9%–97.0% of the planets around FGK stars are rocky, whereas up to 61.6% (ranging from 4.1%–61.6%) of planets around M stars are rocky. In addition, we find that volatile mass fractions are highly concentrated. For example, to describe the DACE M dwarf sample using a mixture of rocky, water-rich, and gas-rich planets, we find that more than 99.5% gaseous planets have an atmospheric mass fraction (AMF) ≲0.01%, and more than 55.4% (82.7%) gaseous planets have a water mass fraction (WMF) ≲0.1% (≲1%). These results suggest that while volatile-bearing planets are common, their composition and prevalence depend strongly on stellar environment, and their volatile inventories are tightly constrained by formation and evolutionary processes.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
Authors: Ji 吉 Wang 王, Caroline Dorn, Komal Bali
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,499
OpenAlex ID: W7220950738