As the World Turns: Discrete Observations of a Pseudo-Synchronized Eccentric Transiting Planet

Details As the World Turns: Discrete Observations of a Pseudo-Synchronized Eccentric Transiting Planet As the World Turns: Discrete Observations of a Pseudo-Synchronized Eccentric Transiting Planet

Mar 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008sptz.prop50747c&link_type=abstract

Spitzer Proposal ID #50747

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Scientific paper

We propose to obtain precise IRAC 8-micron observations of the eccentric transiting exoplanet HD 17156 b over three planetary spin periods. This newly discovered transiting system is notable because (a) it experiences a 26-fold increase in stellar insolation over its swing-in from apastron to periastron, and (b) it is expected that tidal evolution has brought it in pseudo-synchronization, with a resulting spin period of ~3.8d. This means that a single face of the planet will be flash heated near periastron by an intense blast of stellar irradiation that exceeds a 1000 times the solar flux at Earth. The timescales for radiative cooling and advective transport of energy to the other hemisphere after periastron passage have not yet been measured observationally, and are a source of significant uncertainty in theoretical models. Our proposed 8-micron observations will finely sample temperature variations over one spin period of the planet near periastron, and coarsely sample them over the preceding and following spin periods. To achieve the best possible photometric precision, and approach the photon noise limit, we will simultaneously observe (in full-array mode) a nearby reference star of similar magnitude, thus minimizing systematic effects. Our observations are timely as they require the unique high-precision mid-infrared capabilities of a cryogenic Spitzer. These observations will allow us to determine the radiative and advective timescales of this massive, gaseous exoplanet. An observational constraint on these timescales for this planet will considerably advance our understanding of the atmospheres of both eccentric gaseous and conventional hot Jupiters.

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