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The extraordinary planetary system Kepler-51 continues to attract the attention of astronomers with its unique features. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University have discovered a
The extraordinary planetary system Kepler-51 continues to attract the attention of astronomers with its unique features. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University have discovered a fourth planet in this system. The Kepler-51 system was already known for its three ultra-low-density “superpuff” planets, but this latest discovery adds another layer of complexity. The team identified the fourth planet, Kepler-51e, after observing unexpected transit time (TTV) changes in the system. This discovery challenges existing theories of planet formation and opens up new questions about the dynamics and evolution of this strange system.
Super-chubby planets are distinctly characterized by incredibly low mass and density. They are approximately the same size as Saturn, but only a few times the mass of Earth, making them light and fluffy, like cotton candy. Superbursts in the Kepler-51 system are thought to have small nuclei and extensive hydrogen and helium atmospheres. They are a cosmic mystery that has astronomers questioning how they formed and how their atmospheres can withstand the intense radiation from their stars. The discovery of a fourth planet adds even more curiosity to these questions.
A research team led by Jessica Libby-Roberts, a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds in Pennsylvania, attempted to study Kepler-51d using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. But the planet decided to steal the show by passing in front of its star two hours earlier than expected; This was a phenomenon that almost took the researchers by surprise. This unexpected playtime brought to mind another player in the system: a fourth hidden planet.
The transit of a planet as it passes in front of its star, as seen from Earth, can reveal a wealth of information. The duration and magnitude of the star’s brightness dip help astronomers determine the planet’s size and other properties. Sometimes a planet may transit earlier or later due to the gravitational pull of other planets, resulting in fluctuations in transit time. These small differences are often taken into account in models to accurately predict when planets will transit.
Despite accurate predictions of Kepler-51b’s transit in May 2023, Kepler-51d surprised researchers. This planet was expected to transit around 02:00 ET in June 2023. But its appearance two hours ago forced researchers to revise their models.
“The early appearance of Kepler-51d really surprised us, and no amount of fine-tuning of the three-planet model can explain such a large discrepancy,” said Kento Masuda, associate professor of Earth and Space Sciences at Osaka University. co-author of the article. “Only the addition of the fourth planet explained this difference. “It is the first planet discovered by changing transit times with JWST.”
To better understand the Kepler-51 system, researchers applied “brute force” research. They tested different combinations of planetary properties to create a four-planet model that would account for all transit data collected over 14 years. This meticulous approach led them to identify the fourth planet, Kepler-51e.
The existence of Kepler-51e and its properties forced the team to adjust their models and reconsider the expected masses of other planets in the system. But without direct observation of Kepler-51e’s transit, it is unclear whether this newest member of the family is also a superpuff. Although Kepler-51e is currently attracting attention, Libby-Roberts noted that there is still much to discover about this planetary system.
“Kepler-51e has a slightly larger orbit than Venus and is within the star’s habitable zone, so there’s a lot more going on at that distance if we take the time to look,” Libby-Roberts said. “Continuing to look at changes in transit times can help us discover planets that are further away from their stars and look for planets that could potentially host life.”
Researchers are now analyzing remaining data from the James Webb Space Telescope. The resulting data could provide information about Kepler-51d’s atmosphere and improve our understanding of how ultra-low-density superfluid planets form. The mysteries of the universe and the blown-up planet Kepler-51 continue to intrigue and fascinate researchers. The study was published on: Astronomy Magazine.
Source: Port Altele
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