Other
Scientific paper
Mar 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008sptz.prop50734l&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #50734
Other
Scientific paper
We propose to use IRAC at 8 microns to observe eight successive secondary eclipses of the P=2.644d, Neptune-mass planet that transits the red dwarf star Gliese 436. Initial measurements of the Gliese 436b secondary transits suggested that the planet's high (e=0.15) eccentricity is generating signficant tidal luminosity. The eccentric orbit of the planet will lead to 83-percent variations in received flux over the course of half an orbit. Additionally, the planet will be rotating pseudo-synchronously, with a spin period P ~2.3 days that is significantly less than the orbital period. These factors will contribute to interesting global flow patterns on the planetary surface. Our hydrodynamical model predicts a sinusoidal time-dependent flux variation of amplitude 0.00012 and period ~ 3 days. By measuring the 8-micron flux at successive secondary transits, we will detect this oscillation, and obtain a data set that can be compared with both our model as well as models being developed by other workers in the field. In addition, our flux measurements can be averaged to obtain an improved estimate of the planet's tidal luminosity. This quantity allows us to derive a tidal quality factor, Q, which in turn gives important clues to the interior structure of this remarkable planet.
Deming Drake
Langton Jonathan
Laughlin Gregory
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