Eclipse Depth Research Articles

Modeling Spitzer 3.6 and 4.5 μm Eclipse Depths for the Inflated Hot Jupiter in the Evolved Binary System HD 202772

As an inflated hot Jupiter orbiting an early-type primary star in the evolved binary HD 202772 system, HD 202772 A b’s presence invites a study of how such a planet forms and evolves. As a prelude to potential atmospheric characterization with the latest generation of observatories, we present a reduction and analysis of eclipse light-curve observations of HD 202772 A b acquired with the Spitzer Space Telescope using the 3.6 and 4.5 μm channels. We find eclipse depths of 680 ± 68 and 1081−53+54 ppm, respectively, corresponding to dayside effective temperatures of 2130−91+102 and 2611−49+46 K. The corresponding Bond albedos are consistent with the distribution of albedos for hot Jupiters observed with both Spitzer and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The heat redistribution efficiencies consistent with the Bond albedo range predicted by one-dimensional atmospheric models in radiative-convective equilibrium are 0.71 ± 0.10 and 0.03−0.02+0.03 , respectively, indicating a weak day–night contrast for the former and a strong contrast for the latter. Given this, and the unique environment in which this planet resides, we recommend follow-up observations with JWST to more precisely constrain its atmospheric composition and structure, as well as its host stellar environment, to elucidate if and how the atmospheres of these close-in giants evolve with host stars in binaries past the main sequence.

The CHEOPS view of the climate of WASP-3 b

Hot Jupiters are giant planets subject to intense stellar radiation. The physical and chemical properties of their atmosphere make them the most amenable targets for atmospheric characterization. In this paper we analyze the photometry collected during the secondary eclipses of the hot Jupiter by and Our aim is to characterize the atmosphere of the planet by measuring the secondary eclipse depth in several passbands and constrain the planetary dayside spectrum. We updated the radius and the ephemeris of by analyzing the transit photometry collected by and We also analyzed the CHEOPS, TESS, and photometry of the occultations of the planet, measuring the eclipse depth at different wavelengths. Our update of the stellar and planetary properties is consistent with previous works. The analysis of the occultations returns an eclipse depth of 92pm 21 ppm in the CHEOPS passband, 83pm 27 ppm for TESS, and $>$2000 ppm in the IRAC 1-2-4 passbands. Using the eclipse depths in the bands, we propose a set of likely emission spectra that constrain the emission contribution in the CHEOPS and TESS passbands to approximately a few dozen parts per million. This allowed us to measure a geometric albedo of 0.21pm 0.07 in the CHEOPS passband, while the TESS data lead to a 95<!PCT!> upper limit of sim 0.2. belongs to the group of ultra-hot Jupiters that are characterized by a low Bond albedo (<0.3pm 0.1), as predicted by different atmospheric models. On the other hand, it seems to efficiently recirculate the absorbed stellar energy, which is not typical for similar, highly irradiated planets. To explain this inconsistency, we propose that other energy recirculation mechanisms are at play besides advection (for example, the dissociation and recombination of H$_2$). Another possibility is that the observations in different bandpasses probe different atmospheric layers; this would make the atmospheric analysis difficult without an appropriate modeling of the thermal emission spectrum of which is not feasible with the limited spectroscopic data available to date.

Tilted Disk Precession and Negative Superhumps in HS 2325+8205: A Multiwindow Analysis

Tilted disk precession exists in different objects. Negative superhumps (NSHs) in cataclysmic variable stars are believed to arise from the interaction between the reverse precession of a tilted disk and the streams from the secondary star. Utilizing Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite photometry, we present a comprehensive investigation into the tilted disk precession and NSHs in the dwarf nova (DN) HS 2325+8205, employing eclipse minima, eclipse depths, NSH frequencies, and NSH amplitudes and the correlation between them as the windows. We identified NSHs with a period of 0.185671(17) day in HS 2325+8205. The NSH frequency exhibits variability with a period of 3.943(9) days, akin to the tilted disk precession period validated in nova-like stars (SDSS J0812) and intermediate polars (IPs; TV Col). The O − C of the eclipse minima were similarly found to vary cyclically in a period of 4.135(5) days, characterized by a faster rise than fall. Furthermore, the NSH amplitude exhibits complex and diverse variations, which may be linked to changes in the disk radius, the mass transfer rate, and the apparent area of the hot spot. For the first time in DNe, we observe biperiodic variations in eclipse depth (P 1 = 4.131(4) days and P 2 = 2.065(2) days ≈ P prec/2) resembling those seen in IPs, suggesting that variations with P 2 are not attributable to an accretion curtain, as previously suspected. Moreover, NSH amplitude and eclipse depth decrease with increasing NSH frequency, while NSH amplitude correlates positively with eclipse depth. These complex variations observed across multiple observational windows provide substantial evidence for the understanding of tilted disk precession and NSHs.

JWST reveals the rapid and strong day-side variability of 55 Cancri e

Context. The nature of the close-in rocky planet 55 Cnce is puzzling, despite it having been observed extensively. Its optical and infrared occultation depths show temporal variability, in addition to a phase curve variability observed in the optical. Aims. We wish to explore the possibility that the variability originates from the planet being in a 3:2 spin–orbit resonance, and thus showing different sides during occultations. We proposed and were awarded Cycle 1 time at the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to test this hypothesis. Methods. JWST/NIRCam (Near Infrared Camera) observed five occultations (secondary eclipses) of the planet – of which four were observed within a week – simultaneously at 2.1 and 4.5 µm. While the former gives band-integrated photometry, the latter provides a spectrum between 3.9–5.0 µm. Results. We find that the occultation depths in both bandpasses are highly variable and change between a non-detection (−5 ± 6 ppm and 7 ± 9 ppm) to 96 ± 8 ppm and 119−19+34 ppm at 2.1 µm and 4.5 µm, respectively. Interestingly, the variations in both bandpasses are not correlated and do not support the 3:2 spin-orbit resonance explanation. The measured brightness temperature at 4.5 µm varies between 873–2256 K and is lower than the expected day-side temperature of bare rock with no heat redistribution (2500 K), which is indicative of an atmosphere. Our atmospheric retrieval analysis of occultation depth spectra at 4.5 µm finds that different visits statistically favour various atmospheric scenarios including a thin outgassed CO/CO2 atmosphere and a silicate rock vapour atmosphere. Some visits even support a flat line model. Conclusions. The observed variability could be explained by stochastic outgassing of CO/CO2, which is also hinted at by retrievals. Alternatively, the variability observed at both 2.1 and 4.5 µm could be the result of a circumstellar patchy dust torus generated by volcanism on the planet.

JWST Thermal Emission of the Terrestrial Exoplanet GJ 1132b

We present thermal emission measurements of GJ 1132b spanning 5–12 μm obtained with the Mid-Infrared Instrument Low-Resolution Spectrometer on the James Webb Space Telescope. GJ 1132b is an M dwarf rocky planet with T eq = 584 K and an orbital period of 1.6 days. We measure a white-light secondary eclipse depth of 140 ± 17 ppm, which corresponds to a dayside brightness temperature of T p,dayside = 709 ± 31 K using improved star and planet parameters. This measured temperature is only 1σ below the maximum possible dayside temperature of a bare rock (i.e., assuming a zero-albedo planet with no heat redistribution, Tmax = 746−11+14 K). The emission spectrum is consistent with a featureless blackbody, which agrees with a wide range of possible surface compositions. By comparing forward models to the dayside emission spectrum, we rule out Earth-thickness (P ∼ 1 bar) atmospheres with at least 1% H2O, atmospheres of any modeled thickness (10−4 to 102 bars) that contain at least 1% CO2, and thick, Venus-like atmospheres (P ≳ 100 bars) with at least 1 ppm CO2 or H2O. We therefore conclude that GJ 1132b likely does not have a significant atmosphere. This finding supports the concept of a universal “cosmic shoreline” given the high level of bolometric and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-rays (collectively XUV) irradiation received by the planet.

A False Positive Transit Candidate for EPIC 211101996 from K2 and TESS Data Identified as Background Eclipsing Binary Gaia DR3 66767847894609792

Transiting planets around young stars are hard to find due to the enhanced stellar activity. Only a few transiting planets have been detected around stars younger than 100 Myr. We initially detected a transit-like signal in the K2 light curve of a very cool M dwarf star (EPIC 211101996) in the Pleiades open cluster, with an estimated age of about 100 Myr. Our detailed analysis of the per-pixel light curves, detrending with the Wōtan software and transit search with the Transit Least Squares algorithm showed that the source of the signal is a contaminant source (Gaia DR3 66767847894609792) 20″ west of the target. The V-like shape of its phase-folded light curve and eclipse depth of ∼15% suggest that it is a grazing eclipsing binary. The contaminant has hitherto been listed as a single star, which we now identify as an eclipsing stellar binary with a period of about 6 days.

Toward Exoplanet Transit Spectroscopy Using JWST/MIRI’s Medium Resolution Spectrometer

The Mid-Infrared Instrument Medium Resolution Spectrometer (the MRS) on JWST has potentially important advantages for transit and eclipse spectroscopy of exoplanets, including lack of saturation for bright host stars, wavelength span to longward of 20 µm, and JWST’s highest spectral resolving power. We here test the performance of the MRS for time series spectroscopy by observing the secondary eclipse of the bright stellar eclipsing binary R Canis Majoris. Our observations push the MRS into saturation at the shortest wavelength, more than for any currently known exoplanet system. We find strong charge migration between pixels that we mitigate using a custom data analysis pipeline. Our data analysis recovers much of the spatial charge migration by combining detector pixels at the group level, via weighting by the point-spread function. We achieve nearly photon-limited performance in time series data at wavelengths longward of 5.2 µm. In 2017, Snellen et al. suggested that the MRS could be used to detect carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere of the temperate planet orbiting Proxima Centauri. We infer that the relative spectral response of the MRS versus wavelength is sufficiently stable to make that detection feasible. As regards the secondary eclipse of this Algol-type binary, we measure the eclipse depth by summing our spectra over the wavelengths in four channels, and also measuring the eclipse depth as observed by TESS. Those eclipse depths require a temperature for the secondary star that is significantly hotter than previous observations in the optical to near-IR, probably due to irradiation by the primary star. At full spectral resolution of the MRS, we find atomic hydrogen recombination emission lines in the secondary star, from principal quantum levels n = 7, 8, 10, and 14.

The phase curve of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-167b as seen by TESS

Context. Ultra-hot Jupiters (UHJs) orbiting pulsating A/F stars represent an important subset of the exoplanetary demographic. They are excellent candidates for the study of exoplanetary atmospheres, and are astrophysical laboratories for the investigation of planet-to- star interactions. Aims. We analysed the TESS light curve of the WASP-167 system, consisting of an F1V star and a substellar companion on a ~2.02 day orbit. Methods. We modelled the combination of the ellipsoidal variability and the Doppler beaming to measure the mass of WASP-167b, and the reflection effect to obtain constraints on the geometric albedo, while placing a special emphasis on noise separation. We implemented a basic model to determine the dayside (TDay), nightside (TNight), and intrinsic (TInternal) temperatures of WASP-167b, and put a constraint on its Bond albedo. Results. We confirm the transit parameters of the planet seen in the literature. We find that a resonant ~2P−1 stellar signal (which may originate from planet-to-star interactions) interferes with the phase curve analysis. After careful and thought-out treatment of this signal, we find Mp = 0.34 ± 0.22 MJ. We measure a dayside temperature of 2790 ± 100 K, classifying WASP-167b as an UHJ. We find a 2σ upper limit of 0.51 on its Bond albedo, and determine the geometric albedo at 0.34 ± 0.11 (1σ uncertainty). Conclusions. With an occultation depth of 106.8 ± 27.3 ppm in the TESS passband, the UHJ WASP-167b is an excellent target for atmospheric studies, especially those at thermal wavelength ranges, where the stellar pulsations are expected to be less influential.

TESS Light Curves of Cataclysmic Variables. IV. A Synoptic View of Eclipsing Old Novae and Novalike Variables

Based mainly on the months-long 2 minutes time-resolution light curves observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Telescope (TESS) space mission of 48 eclipsing old novae and novalike variables (commonly referred to as NLs) selected from the Ritter & Kolb catalog, a synoptic view of some basic properties of these systems is provided. The supraorbital variations exhibit a large diversity of behavior. Data taken from the literature and many additional eclipse epochs measured in the TESS and in AAVSO light curves are used to update the orbital ephemerides of 21 targets. The large majority of these suffer period variations which defy current theoretical understanding. Orbital waveforms are constructed and, if possible, their variation over time is studied, revealing some common characteristics but also substantial differences between individual systems. The dependence of the eclipse depth on the out-of-eclipse flux reveals that in all systems a fraction of the light source responsible for the out-of-eclipse variations escapes eclipse and is probably located in the outer disk regions. In systems exhibiting superhumps, both eclipse width and epoch are modulated with the accretion disk precession period. This suggests an expansion and contraction of the eclipsed light source, as well as a periodic shift of its light center as a function of the accretion disk precession phase. The dependence of the orbital and superhump waveforms on the disk precession phase is also examined but does not lead to a consistent picture. Two cataclysmic variables are newly identified as eclipsing. Attention is drawn to specific peculiarities in some of the target stars.

The tidal deformation and atmosphere of WASP-12 b from its phase curve

Context. Ultra-hot Jupiters present a unique opportunity to understand the physics and chemistry of planets, their atmospheres, and interiors at extreme conditions. WASP-12 b stands out as an archetype of this class of exoplanets, with a close-in orbit around its star that results in intense stellar irradiation and tidal effects. Aims. The goals are to measure the planet’s tidal deformation, atmospheric properties, and also to refine its orbital decay rate. Methods. We performed comprehensive analyses of the transits, occultations, and phase curves of WASP-12b by combining new CHEOPS observations with previous TESS and Spitzer data. The planet was modeled as a triaxial ellipsoid parameterized by the second-order fluid Love number of the planet, h2, which quantifies its radial deformation and provides insight into the interior structure. Results. We measured the tidal deformation of WASP-12b and estimated a Love number of h2 = 1.55−0.49+0.45 (at 3.2σ) from its phase curve. We measured occultation depths of 333 ± 24 ppm and 493 ± 29 ppm in the CHEOPS and TESS bands, respectively, while the nightside fluxes are consistent with zero, and also marginal eastward phase offsets. Our modeling of the dayside emission spectrum indicates that CHEOPS and TESS probe similar pressure levels in the atmosphere at a temperature of ~2900 K. We also estimated low geometric albedos of Ag = 0.086 ± 0.017 and Ag = 0.01 ± 0.023 in the CHEOPS and TESS passbands, respectively, suggesting the absence of reflective clouds in the high-temperature dayside of the planet. The CHEOPS occultations do not show strong evidence for variability in the dayside atmosphere of the planet at the median occultation depth precision of 120 ppm attained. Finally, combining the new CHEOPS timings with previous measurements refines the precision of the orbital decay rate by 12% to a value of −30.23 ± 0.82 ms yr−1, resulting in a modified stellar tidal quality factor of Q′★ = 1.70 ± 0.14 × 105. Conclusions. WASP-12 b becomes the second exoplanet, after WASP-103b, for which the Love number has been measured from the effect of tidal deformation in the light curve. However, constraining the core mass fraction of the planet requires measuring h2 with a higher precision. This can be achieved with high signal-to-noise observations with JWST since the phase curve amplitude, and consequently the induced tidal deformation effect, is higher in the infrared.

A Search for Temporal Atmospheric Variability of Kepler Hot Jupiters

Abstract We perform a systematic search for atmospheric variability in short-period gas-giant planets (hot Jupiters) observed by the Kepler mission, by looking for temporal variability of their secondary eclipse depths. This is motivated by a recent detection of a decrease in the dayside brightness of KELT-1 b between TESS Sectors 17 and 57, separated by about 3 yr. We fit the Kepler light curves of 53 hot Jupiters and measure their secondary eclipse depths during individual Kepler quarters and four-quarter windows. We detect the secondary eclipses in individual quarters or four-quarter windows for 17 out of the 53 systems. In those 17 systems we do not detect statistically significant astrophysical variation in the secondary eclipse depths. We show that the data is sensitive to the variability seen for KELT-1 b in TESS data. Therefore, the absence of detected secondary eclipse variability in Kepler data suggests that the atmospheric variability in KELT-1 b is not common. In addition, several of the 53 targets we investigated display variability in their transit depths with a period of four quarters (1 yr). This instrumental signal is likely present in the light curves of other transiting planets we did not analyze and other variable stars observed by Kepler. Finally, we find that Kepler-488 b has a secondary eclipse depth that is unphysically large for a planet, and thus is likely a misclassified red dwarf.

A New Window for Studying Intermediate Polars and Tilted Accretion Disk Precession

TV Col is a long-period eclipsing intermediate polar (IP) prototype star for the negative superhump (NSH) system. We investigate the eclipse minima, eclipse depth, and NSH amplitude based on TESS photometry. Using the same analytical method as for SDSS J081256.85+191157.8, we find periodic variations of O − C for eclipse minima and NSH amplitudes with periods of 3.939(25) days and 3.907(30) days, respectively. The periodic variation of the NSH amplitude of TV Col confirms that periodic changes in NSH amplitude in response to the tilted disk precession may be universal, which is further evidence that the origin of the NSHs is related to the tilted disk precession. We suggest that the variation in NSH amplitude may be similar to the superorbital signal, coming from the periodic change in visual brightness of the energy released by streams touching the tilted disk with tilted disk precession. Finally, we find for the first time that the eclipse depth exhibits biperiodic variations with periods of P 1 = 3.905(11) days and P 2 = 1.953(4) days, respectively. P 2 is about half of P 1 and the disk precession period (P 1 ≈ P prec ≈ 2 × P 2). We suggest that P 1 may come from the periodic change in the brightness of the eclipse center due to tilted disk precession, while P 2 may come from two accretion curtains precessing together with the tilted disk, but more verification and discussion are necessary. The discovery of biperiodic variations in eclipse depth provides a new window for studying IPs and tilted disk precession.

CHEOPS observations of KELT-20 b/MASCARA-2 b: An aligned orbit and signs of variability from a reflective day side

Context. Occultations are windows of opportunity to indirectly peek into the dayside atmosphere of exoplanets. High-precision transit events provide information on the spin-orbit alignment of exoplanets around fast-rotating hosts. Aims. We aim to precisely measure the planetary radius and geometric albedo of the ultra-hot Jupiter (UHJ) KELT-20 b along with the spin-orbit alignment of the system. Methods. We obtained optical high-precision transits and occultations of KELT-20 b using CHEOPS observations in conjunction with simultaneous TESS observations. We interpreted the occultation measurements together with archival infrared observations to measure the planetary geometric albedo and dayside temperatures. We further used the host star’s gravity-darkened nature to measure the system’s obliquity. Results. We present a time-averaged precise occultation depth of 82 ± 6 ppm measured with seven CHEOPS visits and 131−7+8 from the analysis of all available TESS photometry. Using these measurements, we precisely constrain the geometric albedo of KELT-20 b to 0.26 ± 0.04 and the brightness temperature of the dayside hemisphere to 2566−80+77 K. Assuming Lambertian scattering law, we constrain the Bond albedo to 0.36−0.05+0.04 along with a minimal heat transfer to the night side (ϵ = 0.14−0.10+0.13). Furthermore, using five transit observations we provide stricter constraints of 3 9 ± 1 1 deg on the sky-projected obliquity of the system. Conclusions. The aligned orbit of KELT-20 b is in contrast to previous CHEOPS studies that have found strongly inclined orbits for planets orbiting other A-type stars. The comparably high planetary geometric albedo of KELT-20 b corroborates a known trend of strongly irradiated planets being more reflective. Finally, we tentatively detect signs of temporal variability in the occultation depths, which might indicate variable cloud cover advecting onto the planetary day side.

Constraining the reflective properties of WASP-178 b using CHEOPS photometry

Context. Multiwavelength photometry of the secondary eclipses of extrasolar planets is able to disentangle the reflected and thermally emitted light radiated from the planetary dayside. Based on this, we can measure the planetary geometric albedo Ag, which is an indicator of the presence of clouds in the atmosphere, and the recirculation efficiency ϵ, which quantifies the energy transport within the atmosphere. Aims. We measure Ag and ϵ for the planet WASP-178 b, a highly irradiated giant planet with an estimated equilibrium temperature of 2450 K. Methods. We analyzed archival spectra and the light curves collected by CHEOPS and TESS to characterize the host WASP-178, refine the ephemeris of the system, and measure the eclipse depth in the passbands of the two telescopes. Results. We measured a marginally significant eclipse depth of 70 ± 40 ppm in the TESS passband, and a statistically significant depth of 70 ± 20 ppm in the CHEOPS passband. Conclusions. Combining the eclipse-depth measurement in the CHEOPS (λeff = 6300 Å) and TESS (λeff = 8000 Å) passbands, we constrained the dayside brightness temperature of WASP-178 b in the 2250–2800 K interval. The geometric albedo 0.1< Ag<0.35 generally supports the picture that giant planets are poorly reflective, while the recirculation efficiency ϵ >0.7 makes WASP-178 b an interesting laboratory for testing the current heat-recirculation models.

GJ 367b Is a Dark, Hot, Airless Sub-Earth

We present the mid-infrared (5–12 μm) phase curve of GJ 367b observed by the Mid-Infrared Instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). GJ 367b is a hot (T eq = 1370 K), extremely dense (10.2 ± 1.3 g cm−3) sub-Earth orbiting an M dwarf on a 0.32 day orbit. We measure an eclipse depth of 79 ± 4 ppm, a nightside planet-to-star flux ratio of 4 ± 8 ppm, and a relative phase amplitude of 0.97 ± 0.10, all fully consistent with a zero-albedo planet with no heat recirculation. Such a scenario is also consistent with the phase offset of 11°E ± 5° to within 2.2σ. The emission spectrum is likewise consistent with a blackbody with no heat redistribution and a low albedo of A B ≈ 0.1, with the exception of one anomalous wavelength bin that we attribute to unexplained systematics. The emission spectrum puts few constraints on the surface composition but rules out a CO2 atmosphere ≳1 bar, an outgassed atmosphere ≳10 mbar (under heavily reducing conditions), or an outgassed atmosphere ≳0.01 mbar (under heavily oxidizing conditions). The lack of day–night heat recirculation implies that 1 bar atmospheres are ruled out for a wide range of compositions, while 0.1 bar atmospheres are consistent with the data. Taken together with the fact that most of the dayside should be molten, our JWST observations suggest that the planet must have lost the vast majority of its initial inventory of volatiles.

HD 214220 (BD+56 2813): An eclipsing binary with its primary component at the end of the main sequence

Context. Analysis of the light curves of an eclipsing binary allows one to derive the absolute dimensions of the system. This in turn yields information on the radii of the components, which allows the stars to be accurately placed on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and their evolutionary phase to be interpreted via comparisons to tracks of stellar evolution models. Aims. I aim to derive the stellar and system parameters of HD 214220. Methods. I measured the epochs of three primary and three secondary minima of the eclipsing binary HD 214220 from 2019 to 2022 from photometric fluxes obtained by the TESS satellite. I modeled the light curve and the velocity amplitudes, which were obtained by the Gaia satellite, with the software PHOEBE. Results. HD 214220 is an eclipsing binary system with an orbital period of P = 43.14 d, eclipse depths of 17% and 13%, and masses of 2.49 M⊙ and 2.42 M⊙. The sum of the radii is R1 + R2 ≈ 8.5 R⊙, and the temperatures of the components are similar, with a ratio of T2/T1 ≈ 1.03. Conclusions. By consulting stellar evolution models, I find that the primary component has ended core hydrogen burning and is potentially in the contraction phase, prior to shell burning.

Update on WASP-19

Tidal interaction between a star and a close-in massive exoplanet causes the planetary orbit to shrink and eventually leads to tidal disruption. Understanding orbital decay in exoplanetary systems is crucial for advancing our knowledge of planetary formation and evolution. Moreover, it sheds light on the broader question of the long-term stability of planetary orbits and the intricate interplay of gravitational forces within stellar systems. Analyzing Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data for the ultra-short period gas giant WASP-19, we aim to measure orbital period variations and constrain the stellar tidal quality parameter. For this, we fitted the TESS observations together with two WASP-19 transits observed using the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (LCOGT) and searched for orbital decay in combination with previously published transit times. As a result, we find a deviation from the constant orbital period at the 7σ level. The orbital period changes at a rate of P˙=−3.7±0.5msyear−1, which translates into a tidal quality factor of Q★′=(7±1)×105. We additionally modeled WASP-19 b’s phase curve using the new TESS photometry and obtained updated values for the planet’s eclipse depth, dayside temperature, and geometric albedo. We estimate an eclipse depth of 520±60 ppm, which is slightly higher than previous estimates and corresponds to a dayside brightness temperature of 2400±60 K and geometric albedo of 0.20±0.04.

Observational Detection of Higher-Order Secular Perturbations in Tight Hierarchical Triple Stars

In this work, we search for observational evidence of higher-order secular perturbations in three eclipsing binaries. These are slightly eccentric binaries, and they form the inner pairs of tight, compact, hierarchical triple star systems. Simultaneously, we analyze the high-precision satellite (Kepler and TESS) light curves; eclipse timing variations; combined spectral energy distributions (through catalog passband magnitudes); and, where available, radial velocities of KICs 9714358, 5771589, and TIC 219885468. Besides the determination of the robust astrophysical and dynamical properties of the three systems, we find evidence that the observed unusual eclipse timing variations of KIC 9714358 are a direct consequence of the octupole-order secular eccentricity perturbations forced by unusual, resonant behavior between the lines of the apsides of the inner and outer orbital ellipses. We also show that, despite its evident cyclic eclipse depth variations, KIC 5771589 is an almost perfectly coplanar system (to within 0.3∘), and we explain the rapid eclipse depth variations with the grazing nature of the eclipses. Finally, we find that the inner pair of TIC 219885468 consists of two twin stars; hence, in this triple there are no octupole-order three-body perturbations. Moreover, we show that this triple is also coplanar on the same level as the former one, but due to its deep eclipses, it does not exhibit eclipse depth variations. We intend to follow this work up with further analyses and a quantitative comparison of the theoretical and the observed perturbations.

Using Python programs to determine the secondary eclipse depth of Kepler-12 b and its geometric albedo

The discovery of Hot Jupiter in 1995 marks the beginning of a new era in Astrophysics, and deep space observatory provides valuable data that helps us understand the evolution of the universe and extrasolar systems. This paper reports on the secondary eclipse depth and the geometric albedo of a hot Jupiter Kepler-12 b with a planet radius of 1.6950.03R_J, and the use of Python programs helps derive the results. The Python programs also help draw the figures in this work with data from Spitzer IRAC, an infrared camera designed to detect near- and mid-infrared light. The conclusion drawn from the work is that the orbital period is 4.401 days and the geometric albedo A_g= 0.17_(-0.08)^(+0.08) . This work points out that the relatively low geometric albedo of Kepler-12b could imply that Kepler-12 b is a pM-class planet. The distinguishing factor between a hot Jupiter of pL-class and one of pM-class is the variation in their spectra and the temperature difference between their day and night sides.

The Transient Outgassed Atmosphere of 55 Cancri e

T​​​​​​he enigmatic nature of 55 Cancri e has defied theoretical explanation. Any explanation needs to account for the observed variability of its secondary eclipse depth, which is at times consistent with zero in the visible/optical range of wavelengths—a phenomenon that does not occur with its also variable infrared eclipses. Yet despite this variability, its transit depth remains somewhat constant in time and is inconsistent with opaque material filling its Hill sphere. The current study explores the possibility of a thin, transient, secondary atmosphere on 55 Cancri e that is sourced by geochemical outgassing. Its transient nature derives from the inability of outgassing to be balanced by atmospheric escape. As the outgassed atmosphere escapes and is replenished, it rapidly adjusts to radiative equilibrium and the temperature fluctuations cause the infrared eclipse depths to vary. Atmospheres of pure carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide produce sufficient Rayleigh scattering to explain the observed optical/visible eclipse depths, which vanish in the absence of an atmosphere and the presence of a dark rocky surface. Atmospheres of pure methane are ruled out, because they produce insufficient Rayleigh scattering. Upcoming observations by the James Webb Space Telescope will potentially allow the atmospheric temperature and surface pressure, as well as the surface temperature, to be measured.