Formation and Structure of Low Density Exo-Neptunes

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

17 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ

Scientific paper

Kepler has found hundreds of Neptune-size (2-6 R_Earth) planet candidates within 0.5 AU of their stars. The nature of the vast majority of these planets is not known because their masses have not been measured. Using theoretical models of planet formation, evolution and structure, we explore the range of minimum plausible masses for low-density exo-Neptunes. We focus on highly irradiated planets with T_eq>=500K. We consider two separate formation pathways for low-mass planets with voluminous atmospheres of light gases: core nucleated accretion and outgassing of hydrogen from dissociated ices. We show that Neptune-size planets at T_eq=500K with masses as small as a few times that of Earth can plausibly be formed core nucleated accretion coupled with subsequent inward migration. We also derive a limiting low-density mass-radius relation for rocky planets with outgassed hydrogen envelopes but no surface water. Rocky planets with outgassed hydrogen envelopes typically have computed radii well below 3 R_Earth. For both planets with H/He envelopes from core nucleated accretion and planets with outgassed hydrogen envelopes, we employ planet interior models to map the range of planet mass--envelope mass--equilibrium temperature parameter space that is consistent with Neptune-size planet radii. Atmospheric mass loss mediates which corners of this parameter space are populated by actual planets and ultimately governs the minimum plausible mass at a specified transit radius. We find that Kepler's 2-6 R_Earth planet candidates at T_eq=500--1000K could potentially have masses less than ~4 M_Earth. Although our quantitative results depend on several assumptions, our qualitative finding that warm Neptune-size planets can have masses substantially smaller than those given by interpolating the masses and radii of planets within our Solar System is robust.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Formation and Structure of Low Density Exo-Neptunes does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Formation and Structure of Low Density Exo-Neptunes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Formation and Structure of Low Density Exo-Neptunes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-656473

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.