Vox Charta » Earth and Planetary

Baroclinic Instability on Hot Extrasolar Planets

astro-ph — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:45:55 +0000

We investigate baroclinic instability in flow conditions relevant to hot extrasolar planets. The instability is important for transporting and mixing heat, as well as for influencing large-scale variability on the planets. Both linear normal mode analysis and non-linear initial value calculations are carried out — focusing on the freely-evolving, adiabatic situation. Using a high-resolution general circulation model (GCM) which solves the traditional primitive equations, we show that large-scale jets similar to those observed in current GCM simulations of hot extrasolar giant planets are likely to be baroclinically unstable on a timescale of few to few tens of planetary rotations, generating cyclones and anticyclones that drive weather systems. The growth rate and scale of the most unstable mode obtained in the linear analysis are in qualitative, good agreement with the full non-linear calculations. In general, unstable jets evolve differently depending on their signs (eastward or westward), due to the change in sign of the jet curvature. For jets located at or near the equator, instability is strong at the flanks — but not at the core. Crucially, the instability is either poorly or not at all captured in simulations with low resolution and/or high artificial viscosity. Hence, the instability has not been observed or emphasized in past circulation studies of hot extrasolar planets.

Impact cratering on Mercury: consequences for the spin evolution

astro-ph — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:42:16 +0000

Impact basins identified by Mariner 10 and Messenger flyby images provide us a fossilized record of the impactor flux of asteroids on Mercury during the last stages of the early Solar System. The distribution of these basins is not uniform across the surface, and is consistent with a primordial synchronous rotation (Wieczorek et al. 2012). By analyzing the size of the impacts, we show that the distribution for asteroid diameters D < 110 km is compatible with an index power law of 1.2, a value that matches the predicted primordial distribution of the main-belt. We then derive a simple collisional model coherent with the observations, and when combining it with the secular evolution of the spin of Mercury, we are able to reproduce the present 3/2 spin-orbit resonance (about 50% of chances), as well as a primordial synchronous rotation. This result is robust with respect to variations in the dissipation and collisional models, or in the initial spin state of the planet.

Disruption of a Proto-Planetary Disk by the Black Hole at the Milky Way Centre [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:37:48 +0000

Recently, Gillessen et al. discovered an ionized cloud of gas plunging toward the supermassive black hole, SgrA*, at the centre of the Milky Way. The cloud is being tidally disrupted along its path to closest approach at ~3100 Schwarzschild radii from the black hole. Here, we show that the observed properties of this cloud of gas can naturally be produced by a proto-planetary disk surrounding a low-mass star, which was scattered from the observed ring of young stars orbiting Sgr A*. As the young star approaches the black hole, its disk experiences both photo-evaporation and tidal disruption, producing a cloud. Our model implies that planets form in the Galactic centre, and that tidal debris from proto-planetary disks can flag low mass stars which are otherwise too faint to be detected.

Vortex and spiral instabilities at gap edges in three-dimensional self-gravitating disc-satellite simulations

astro-ph — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:43:41 +0000

Numerical simulations of global three-dimensional (3D), self-gravitating discs with a gap opened by an embedded planet are presented. The simulations are customised to examine planetary gap stability. Previous results, obtained by Lin & Papaoizou from two-dimensional (2D) disc models, are reproduced in 3D. These include (i) the development of vortices associated with local vortensity minima at gap edges and their merging on dynamical timescales in weakly self-gravitating discs, (ii) the increased number of vortices as the strength of self-gravity is increased and their resisted merging, and (iii) suppression of the vortex instability and development of global spiral arms associated with local vortensity maxima in massive discs. The vertical structure of these disturbances are examined. In terms of the relative density perturbation, the vortex disturbance has weak vertical dependence when self-gravity is neglected. Vortices become more vertically stratified with increasing self-gravity. This effect is seen even when the unperturbed region around the planet’s orbital radius has a Toomre stability parameter ~10. The spiral modes display significant vertical structure at the gap edge, with the midplane density enhancement being several times larger than that near the upper disc boundary. However, for both instabilities the vertical Mach number is typically a few per cent,and on average vertical motions near the gap edge do not dominate horizontal motions.

A Spitzer IRAC Measure of the Zodiacal Light

astro-ph — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:41:11 +0000

The dominant non-instrumental background source for space-based infrared observatories is the zo- diacal light. We present Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) measurements of the zodiacal light at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 {\mu}m, taken as part of the instrument calibrations. We measure the changing surface brightness levels in approximately weekly IRAC observations near the north ecliptic pole (NEP) over the period of roughly 8.5 years. This long time baseline is crucial for measuring the annual sinusoidal variation in the signal levels due to the tilt of the dust disk with respect to the ecliptic, which is the true signal of the zodiacal light. This is compared to both Cosmic Background Explorer Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (COBE DIRBE) data and a zodiacal light model based thereon. Our data show a few percent discrepancy from the Kelsall et al. (1998) model including a potential warping of the interplanetary dust disk and a previously detected overdensity in the dust cloud directly behind the Earth in its orbit. Accurate knowledge of the zodiacal light is important for both extragalactic and Galactic astronomy including measurements of the cosmic infrared background, absolute measures of extended sources, and comparison to extrasolar interplanetary dust models. IRAC data can be used to further inform and test future zodiacal light models.

On the HU Aquarii planetary system hypothesis

astro-ph — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:37:50 +0000

In this work, we investigate the eclipse timing of the polar binary HU Aquarii that has been observed for almost two decades. Recently, Qian et al. attributed large (O-C) deviations between the eclipse ephemeris and observations to a compact system of two massive jovian companions. We improve the Keplerian, kinematic model of the Light Travel Time (LTT) effect and re-analyse the whole currently available data set. We add almost 60 new, yet unpublished, mostly precision light curves obtained using the time high-resolution photo-polarimeter OPTIMA, as well as photometric observations performed at the MONET/N, PIRATE and TCS telescopes. We determine new mid–egress times with a mean uncertainty at the level of 1 second or better. We claim that because the observations that currently exist in the literature are non-homogeneous with respect to spectral windows (ultraviolet, X-ray, visual, polarimetric mode) and the reported mid–egress measurements errors, they may introduce systematics that affect orbital fits. Indeed, we find that the published data, when taken literally, cannot be explained by any unique solution. Many qualitatively different and best-fit 2-planet configurations, including self-consistent, Newtonian N-body solutions may be able to explain the data. However, using high resolution, precision OPTIMA light curves, we find that the (O-C) deviations are best explained by the presence of a single circumbinary companion orbiting at a distance of ~4.5 AU with a small eccentricity and having ~7 Jupiter-masses. This object could be the next circumbinary planet detected from the ground, similar to the announced companions around close binaries HW Vir, NN Ser, UZ For, DP Leo or SZ Her, and planets of this type around Kepler-16, Kepler-34 and Kepler-35.

Acceleration of Energetic Particles through Reconnection of Weakly Stochastic Magnetic Field

astro-ph — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:53:16 +0000

Astrophysical media are turbulent and therefore reconnection should be treated in the presence of pre-existing turbulence. We consider the model of fast magnetic reconnection in Lazarian & Vishniac (1999) which predicts that the rate of reconnection is controlled by the intensity and the injection scale of turbulent motions. We provide new evidence of successful testing of the model and argue that the model presents a generic set up for astrophysical reconnection events. We study particle acceleration that takes place in volumes of driven turbulence as well turbulent volumes in the presence of large scale reconnection. We show that in the latter case the acceleration is of the first order Fermi type thus supporting the model of acceleration proposed in Gouveia dal Pino & Lazarian (2005).

Detection of the 128 day radial velocity variations in the supergiant {\alpha} Persei. Rotational modulations, pulsations, or a planet?

astro-ph — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:48:16 +0000

Aims. In order to search for and study the nature of the low-amplitude and long-periodic radial velocity (RV) variations of massive stars, we have been carrying out a precise RV survey for supergiants that lie near or inside the Cepheid instability strip. Methods. We have obtained high-resolution spectra of {\alpha} Per (F5 Ib) from November 2005 to September 2011 using the fiber-fed Bohyunsan Observatory Echelle Spectrograph (BOES) at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO). Results. Our measurements reveal that {\alpha} Per shows a periodic RV variation of 128 days and a semi-amplitude of 70 m/s. We find no strong correlation between RV variations and bisector velocity span (BVS), but the 128-d peak is indeed present in the BVS variations among several other significant peaks in periodogram. Conclusions. {\alpha} Per may have an exoplanet, but the combined data spanning over 20 years seem to suggest that the 128-d RV variations have not been stable on long-term scale, which is somewhat difficult to reconcile with the exoplanet explanation. We do not exclude the pulsational nature of the 128-d variations in {\alpha} Per. Although we do not find clear evidence for surface activity or rotational modulations by spots, coupled with the fact that the expected rotation period is ~ 130 days the rotational modulation seems to be the most likely cause of the RV variations. More observational data and research are needed to clearly determine the origin of RV the variations in {\alpha} Per.

The Importance of Disk Structure in Stalling Type I Migration

astro-ph — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:38:52 +0000

As planets form they tidally interact with their natal disks. Though the tidal perturbation induced by Earth and super-Earth mass planets is generally too weak to significantly modify the structure of the disk, the interaction is potentially strong enough to cause the planets to undergo rapid type I migration. This physical process may provide a source of short-period super-Earths, though it may also pose a challenge to the emergence and retention of cores on long-period orbits with sufficient mass to evolve into gas giants. Previous numerical simulations have shown that the type I migration rate sensitively depends upon the circumstellar disk’s properties, particularly the temperature and surface density gradients. Here, we derive these structure parameters for 1) a self-consistent viscous-disk model based on a constant \alpha-prescription, 2) an irradiated disk model that takes into account heating due to the absorption of stellar photons, and 3) a layered-accretion disk model with variable \alpha-parameter. We show that in the inner viscously-heated regions of typical protostellar disks, the horseshoe and corotation torques of super-Earths can exceed their differential Lindblad torque and cause them to undergo outward migration. However, the temperature profile due to passive stellar irradiation causes type I migration to be inwards throughout much of the disk. For disks in which there is outwards migration, we show that location and the mass range of the “planet traps” depends on some uncertain assumptions adopted for these disk models. Competing physical effects may lead to dispersion in super-Earths’ mass-period distribution.

Minimum Energy Configurations in the $N$-Body Problem and the Celestial Mechanics of Granular Systems [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:35:19 +0000

Minimum energy configurations in celestial mechanics are investigated. It is shown that this is not a well defined problem for point-mass celestial mechanics but well-posed for finite density distributions. This naturally leads to a granular mechanics extension of usual celestial mechanics questions such as relative equilibria and stability. This paper specifically studies and finds all relative equilibria and minimum energy configurations for $N=1,2,3$ and develops hypotheses on the relative equilibria and minimum energy configurations for $N\gg 1$ bodies.

Detection of Weak Circumstellar Gas around the DAZ White Dwarf WD 1124-293: Evidence for the Accretion of Multiple Asteroids

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:54:38 +0000

Single metal polluted white dwarfs with no dusty disks are believed to be actively accreting metals from a circumstellar disk of gas caused by the destruction of asteroids perturbed by planetary systems. We report, for the first time, the detection of circumstellar Ca~II gas in absorption around the DAZ WD~1124-293, which lacks an infrared excess. We constrain the gas to $>$7 $R_{\rm WD}$ and $<$32000~AU, and estimate it to be at $\sim$54~R$_{\rm WD}$, well within WD~1124-293's tidal disruption radius. This detection is based on several epochs of spectroscopy around the Ca~II H and K lines ($\lambda$=3968\AA, 3933\AA) with the MIKE spectrograph on the Magellan/Clay Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory. We confirm the circumstellar nature of the gas by observing nearby sightlines and finding no evidence for gas from the local interstellar medium. Through archival data we have measured the equivalent width of the two photospheric Ca lines over a period of 11 years. We see $$ R$_{\rm \oplus}$ using the WASP survey. The presence of gas in orbit around WD~1124-293 implies that most DAZs could harbor planetary systems. Since 25-30\% of white dwarfs show metal line absorption, the dynamical process for perturbing small bodies must be robust.

The equilibrium tide in stars and giant planets: I – the coplanar case

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:53:11 +0000

Since 1995, more than 500 extrasolar planets have been discovered orbiting very close to their parent star, where they experience strong tidal interactions. Their orbital evolution depends on the physical mechanisms that cause tidal dissipation, and these are still not well understood. We refine the theory of the equilibrium tide in fluid bodies that are partly or entirely convective, to predict the dynamical evolution of the systems. In particular, we examine the validity of modeling the tidal dissipation by the quality factor Q, as is commonly done. We consider here the simplest case where the considered star or planet rotates uniformly, all spins are aligned, and the companion is reduced to a point-mass. The first manifestation of the tide is to distort the shape of the star or planet adiabatically along the line of centers. This generates the divergence-free velocity field of the adiabatic equilibrium tide which is decoupled from the dynamical tide. The tidal kinetic energy is dissipated into heat through turbulent friction, which is modeled here as an eddy-viscosity acting on the adiabatic tidal flow. This dissipation induces a second velocity field, the dissipative equilibrium tide, which is in quadrature with the exciting potential; it is responsible for the imaginary part of the disturbing function, which is implemented in the dynamical evolution equations, from which one derives characteristic evolution times. The rate at which the system evolves depends on the physical properties of tidal dissipation, and specifically on how the eddy viscosity varies with tidal frequency and on the thickness of the convective envelope for the fluid equilibrium tide. At low frequency, this tide retards by a constant time delay, whereas it lags by a constant angle when the tidal frequency exceeds the convective turnover rate.

Characterizing Subpopulations within the Near Earth Objects with NEOWISE: Preliminary Results

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:51:35 +0000

We present the preliminary results of an analysis of the sub-populations within the near-Earth asteroids, including the Atens, Apollos, Amors, and those that are considered potentially hazardous using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). In order to extrapolate the sample of objects detected by WISE to the greater population, we determined the survey biases for asteroids detected by the project’s automated moving object processing system (known as NEOWISE) as a function of diameter, visible albedo, and orbital elements. Using this technique, we are able to place constraints on the number of potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) larger than 100 m and find that there are $\sim4700\pm1450$ such objects. As expected, the Atens, Apollos, and Amors are revealed by WISE to have somewhat different albedo distributions, with the Atens being brighter than the Amors. The cumulative size distributions of the various near-Earth object (NEO) subgroups vary slightly between 100 m and 1 km. A comparison of the observed orbital elements of the various sub-populations of the NEOs with the current best model is shown.

A Second Giant Planet in 3:2 Mean-Motion Resonance in the HD 204313 System

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:46:07 +0000

We present 8 years of high-precision radial velocity (RV) data for HD 204313 from the 2.7 m Harlan J. Smith Telescope at McDonald Observatory. The star is known to have a giant planet (M sin i = 3.5 M_J) on a ~1900-day orbit, and a Neptune-mass planet at 0.2 AU. Using our own data in combination with the published CORALIE RVs of Segransan et al. (2010), we discover an outer Jovian (M sin i = 1.6 M_J) planet with P ~ 2800 days. Our orbital fit suggests the planets are in a 3:2 mean motion resonance, which would potentially affect their stability. We perform a detailed stability analysis, and verify the planets must be in resonance.

The frequency of giant planets around metal-poor stars

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:43:02 +0000

Context. The discovery of about 700 extrasolar planets, so far, has lead to the first statistics concerning extrasolar planets. The presence of giant planets seems to depend on stellar metallicity and mass. For example, they are more frequent around metal-rich stars,with an exponential increase in planet occurrence rates with metallicity. Aims. We analyzed two samples of metal-poor stars (-2.0 \leq [Fe/H] \leq 0.0) to see if giant planets are indeed rare around these objects. Radial velocity datasets were obtained with two different spectrographs (HARPS and HIRES). Detection limits for these data,expressed in minimum planetary mass and period, are calculated. These produce trustworthy numbers for the planet frequency. Methods. A general Lomb Scargle (GLS) periodogram analysis was used together with a bootstrapping method to produce the detection limits. Planet frequencies were calculated based on a binomial distribution function within metallicity bins. Results. Almost all hot Jupiters and most giant planets should have been found in these data. Hot Jupiters around metal-poor stars have a frequency lower than 1.0% at one sigma. Giant planets with periods up to 1800 days, however, have a higher frequency of $f_p = 2.63^{+2.5}_{-0.8}%$. Taking into account the different metallicities of the stars, we show that giant planets appear to be very frequent $(f_p = 4.48^{+4.04}_{-1.38}%)$ around stars with [Fe/H] > -0.7, while they are rare around stars with [Fe/H] \leq -0.7 (\leq 2.36% at one sigma). Conclusions. Giant planet frequency is indeed a strong function of metallicity, even in the low-metallicity tail. However, the frequencies are most likely higher than previously thought.

A Shorter 146Sm Half-Life Measured and Implications for 146Sm-142Nd Chronology in the Solar System [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:40:06 +0000

The extinct p-process nuclide 146Sm serves as an astrophysical and geochemical chronometer through measurements of isotopic anomalies of its alpha-decay daughter 142Nd. Based on analyses of 146Sm/147Sm alpha-activity and atom ratios, we determined the half-life of 146Sm to be 68 \pm 7 (1sigma) million years (Ma), which is shorter than the currently used value of 103 \pm 5 Ma. This half-life value implies a higher initial 146Sm abundance in the early solar system, (146Sm/144Sm_0 = 0.0094\pm0.0005 (2sigma), than previously estimated. Terrestrial, Lunar and Martian planetary silicate mantle differentiation events dated with 146Sm-142Nd converge to a shorter time span and in general to earlier times, due to the combined effect of the new 146Sm half-life and (146Sm/144Sm)_0 values.

On the Stability of Super Earth Atmospheres [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:36:41 +0000

We investigate the stability of super Earth atmospheres around M stars using a 7-parameter, analytical framework. We construct stability diagrams in the parameter space of exoplanetary radius versus semi-major axis and elucidate the regions in which the atmospheres are stable against the condensation of their major constituents, out of the gas phase, on their permanent nightside hemispheres. We find that super Earth atmospheres which are nitrogen-dominated (“Earth-like”) occupy a smaller region of allowed parameter space, compared to hydrogen-dominated atmospheres, because of the dual effects of diminished advection and enhanced radiative cooling. Furthermore, some super Earths which reside within the habitable zones of M stars may not possess stable atmospheres, depending on the mean molecular weight and infrared photospheric pressure of their atmospheres. We apply our stability diagrams to GJ 436b and GJ 1214b, and demonstrate that atmospheric compositions with high mean molecular weights are disfavoured if these exoplanets possess solid surfaces and shallow atmospheres. Finally, we construct stability diagrams tailored to the Kepler dataset, for G and K stars, and predict that about half of the exoplanet candidates are expected to habour stable atmospheres if Earth-like conditions are assumed. We include 55 Cancri e and CoRoT-7b in our stability diagram for G stars.

Rossby wave instability in locally isothermal and polytropic disks: three-dimensional linear calculations [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:36:28 +0000

Numerical calculations of the linear Rossby wave instability (RWI) in global three-dimensional (3D) disks are presented. The linearized fluid equations are solved for vertically stratified, radially structured disks with either a locally isothermal or polytropic equation of state, by decomposing the vertical dependence of the perturbed hydrodynamic quantities into Hermite and Gegenbauer polynomials, respectively. It is confirmed that the RWI operates in 3D. For perturbations with vertical dependence assumed above, there is little difference in growth rates between 3D and two-dimensional (2D) calculations. Comparison between 2D and 3D solutions of this type suggest the RWI is predominantly a 2D instability and that three-dimensional effects, such as vertical motion, to be interpreted as a perturbative consequence of the dominant 2D flow. The vertical flow around co-rotation, where vortex-formation is expected, is examined. In locally isothermal disks the expected vortex center remains in approximate vertical hydrostatic equilibrium. For polytropic disks the vortex center has positive vertical velocity, whose magnitude increases with decreasing polytropic index $n$.

The dynamics of inner dead-zone boundaries in protoplanetary disks [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:34:40 +0000

In protoplanetary disks, the inner radial boundary between the MRI turbulent (`active’) and MRI quiescent (`dead’) zones plays an important role in models of the disk evolution and in some planet formation scenarios. In reality, this boundary is not well-defined: thermal heating from the star in a passive disk yields a transition radius close to the star (< 0.1 au), whereas if the disk is already MRI active, it can self-consistently maintain the requisite temperatures out to a transition radius of roughly 1 au. Moreover, the interface may not be static; it may be highly fluctuating or else unstable. In this paper, we study a reduced model of the dynamics of the active/dead zone interface that mimics several important aspects of a real disk system. We find that MRI-transition fronts propagate inward (a `dead front' suppressing the MRI) if they are initially at the larger transition radius, or propagate outward (an `active front' igniting the MRI) if starting from the smaller transition radius. In both cases, the front stalls at a well-defined intermediate radius, where it remains in a quasi-static equilibrium. We propose that it is this new, intermediate stalling radius that functions as the true boundary between the active and dead zones in protoplanetary disks. These dynamics are likely implicated in observations of variable accretion, such as FU Ori outbursts, as well as in those planet formation theories that require the accumulation of solid material at the dead/active interface.

Secondary electron emissions and dust charging currents in the nonequilibrium dusty plasma with power-law distributions [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:32:03 +0000

We study the secondary electron emissions induced by the impact of electrons on dust grains and the resulting dust charging processes in the nonequilibrium dusty plasma with power-law distributions. We derive new expressions of the secondary emitted electron flux and the dust charging currents that are generalized by the power-law q-distributions, where the nonlinear core functions are numerically studied for the nonextensive parameter q. Our numerical analyses show that the power-law q-distribution of the primary electrons has a significant effect on the secondary emitted electron flux as well as the dust charging currents, and this effect depends strongly on the ratio of the electrostatic potential energy of the primary electrons at the dust grain’s surface to the thermodynamic energy, implying that a competition in the dusty plasma between these two energies plays a crucial role in this novel effect.

Measurements of Stellar Inclinations for Kepler Planet Candidates

astro-ph — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:49:22 +0000

We present an investigation of spin-orbit angles for planetary system candidates reported by Kepler. By combining the rotational period $P_s$ inferred from the flux variation due to starspots and the projected rotational velocity $V\sin I_s$ and stellar radius obtained by a high resolution spectroscopy, we attempt to estimate the inclination $I_s$ of the stellar spin axis with respect to the line-of-sight. For transiting planetary systems, in which planetary orbits are edge-on seen from us, the stellar inclination $I_s$ can be a useful indicator of a spin-orbit alignment/misalignment. We newly conducted spectroscopic observations with Subaru/HDS for 15 KOI systems, whose lightcurves show periodic flux variations. After detailed analyses of their lightcurves and spectra, it turned out that some of them are binaries, or the flux variations are too coherent to be caused by starspots, probably representing ellipsoidal variations, and consequently we could constrain stellar inclinations $I_s$ for eight systems. Among them, KOI-262 and 280 are in good agreement with $I_s=90^\circ$ suggesting a spin-orbit alignment, while at least one system, KOI-261, shows a possible spin-orbit misalignment. We also obtain a small $I_s$ for KOI-1463, but the transiting companion seems to be a star rather than a planet. The results for KOI-257, 269, 367, and 974 are ambiguous, and can be explained with either misalignments or moderate differential rotation. Since our method can be applied to any system having starspots regardless of the planet size, future observations will allow for the expansion of the parameter space in which the spin-orbit relations are investigated.

Secondary electron emissions and dust charging currents in the nonequilibrium dusty plasma with power-law distributions [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:48:58 +0000

A beacon of new physics: The Pioneer anomaly modelled as a path based speed loss driven by the externalisation of aggregate non-inertial QM energy [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:45:32 +0000

This treatise outlines how a real non-systematic based Pioneer anomaly, with its implied violation (re: ‘low’ mass bodies only) of both general relativity’s weak equivalence principle and the Newtonian inverse-square law, can be successfully modelled. These theoretical hurdles and various awkward observational constraints, such as the low value of Pioneer 11’s anomaly pre-Saturn encounter, have not been convincingly modelled to date. Notwithstanding the recent trend to embrace a non-constant Sun/Earth-directed heat based explanation of this anomalous deceleration, the actual: nature, direction, and temporal and spatial variation of the Pioneer anomaly remain an open arena of research. Working backwards from the observational evidence, and rethinking: time, mass, quantum entanglement and non-locality, we hypothesise a mechanism involving a quantum mechanical energy source and a new type of ‘gravitational’ field; neither of which lie within general relativity’s domain of formulation/application. By way of a systemic conservation of energy principle, an internally inexpressible (aggregate) non-inertial energy discrepancy/uncertainty – involving a myriad of quantum (lunar/third-body residing) atomic and molecular systems moving in analog curved spacetime – is (non-locally) re-expressed externally as a (rotating) non-Euclidean spatial geometry perturbation. At a moving body each “rotating space-warp” induces sinusoidal proper acceleration and speed perturbations, as well as a path-based constant (per cycle) rate of speed shortfall relative to predictions that omit the additional effect. ‘Solutions’ of the new model extend to: the Earth flyby anomaly; solar system related large-scale anomalies in the CMB radiation data; the nature of dark energy; and how a theory of everything unification agenda is inadvertently impeding a deeper understanding of physical reality and quantum entanglement.

Periodic orbits in the restricted four-body problem with two equal masses [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:39:44 +0000

The restricted (equilateral) four-body problem consists of three bodies of masses m1, m2 and m3 (called primaries) lying in a Lagrangian configuration of the three-body problem i.e., they remain fixed at the apices of an equilateral triangle in a rotating coordinate system. A massless fourth body moves under the Newtonian gravitational law due to the three primaries, as in the Restricted three-body problem (R3BP), the fourth mass does not affect the motion of the three primaries. In this paper we explore symmetric periodic orbits of the restricted four-body problem (R4BP) for the case of two equal masses where they satisfy approximately the Routh’s critical value.

Vaporization of the Earth: Application to Exoplanet Atmospheres [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:35:31 +0000

Currently, there are about 3 dozen known super-Earth (M < 10 MEarth), of which 8 are transiting planets suitable for atmospheric follow-up observations. Some of the planets are exposed to extreme temperatures as they orbit close to their host stars, e.g., CoRot-7b, and all of these planets have equilibrium temperatures significantly hotter than the Earth. Such planets can develop atmospheres through (partial) vaporization of their crustal and/or mantle silicates. We investigated the chemical equilibrium composition of such heated systems from 500 – 4000 K and total pressures from 10-6 to 10+2 bars. The major gases are H2O and CO2 over broad temperature and pressure ranges, and Na, K, O2, SiO, and O at high temperatures and low pressures. We discuss the differences in atmospheric composition arising from vaporization of SiO2-rich (i.e., felsic) silicates (like Earth's continental crust) and MgO-, FeO-rich (i.e., mafic) silicates like the bulk silicate Earth. The computational results will be useful in planning spectroscopic studies of the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets.

The Anglo-Australian Planet Search. XXII. Two New Multi-Planet Systems [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:32:13 +0000

We report the detection of two new planets from the Anglo-Australian Planet Search. These planets orbit two stars each previously known to host one planet. The new planet orbiting HD 142 has a period of 6005\pm427 days, and a minimum mass of 5.3M_Jup. HD142c is thus a new Jupiter analog: a gas-giant planet with a long period and low eccentricity (e = 0.21 \pm 0.07). The second planet in the HD 159868 system has a period of 352.3\pm1.3 days, and m sin i=0.73\pm0.05 M_Jup. In both of these systems, including the additional planets in the fitting process significantly reduced the eccentricity of the original planet. These systems are thus examples of how multiple-planet systems can masquerade as moderately eccentric single-planet systems.

WASP-42 b and WASP-49 b: two new transiting Saturns

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:49:21 +0000

We report the discovery of two new transiting planets from the WASP survey. WASP-42 b is a 0.500 +- 0.035 M_J planet orbiting a K1 star at a separation of 0.0548 +- 0.0017 AU with a period of 4.9816872 +- 0.0000073 days. The radius of WASP-42 is 1.080 +- 0.057 R_J while its equilibrium temperature is T_eq = 995 +- 34 K. We detect some evidence of a small but non-zero eccentricity of e = 0.060 +- 0.013. WASP-49 b is a 0.378 +- 0.027 M_J planet around an old G6 star. It has a period of 2.7817387 +- 5.6 x 10-6 days and a separation of 0.0379 +- 0.0011 AU. This planet is slightly bloated, having a radius of 1.115 +- 0.056 R_J and an equilibrium temperature of T_eq = 1369 +- 42 K. Both planets have been followed up intensively in photometry, in total we have obtained 5 full and one partial transit light curves of WASP-42 and 4 full and one partial light curves of WASP-49 using the Euler-Swiss, TRAPPIST and Faulkes South telescopes.

The Anglo-Australian Planet Search. XXII. Two New Multi-Planet Systems

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:48:13 +0000

Lightcurves of the Karin family asteroids

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:46:01 +0000

The Karin family is the first recognized very young asteroid family that was created by an asteroid breakup only 5.8 Myr ago. As the members of this family probably have not experienced significant orbital or collisional evolution yet, it is possible that they still preserve properties of the original collisional event in terms of their rotational status and surface color. We have been carrying out a series of photometric observations of the Karin family asteroids, and here we report the analysis result of lightcurves including the rotation period of eleven members as well as those of an interloper asteroid: (832) Karin, (4507) 1990 FV (an interloper), (7719) 1997 GT36, (10783) 1999 RB9, (11728) Einer, (13765) Nansmith, (16706) Svojsik, (28271) 1999 CK16, (40917) 1999 TR171, (43032) 1999 VR26, (69880) 1998 SQ81, and (71031) 1999 XE68. As for four of them we estimated their absolute magnitudes H_R and the slope parameter G_R of the solar phase curves: (832) Karin, (4507) 1990 FV, (13765) Nansmith, and (69880) 1998 SQ81. Relation between the reduced peak-to-peak variation magnitude and the rotation period of the asteroids indicates that there is a general trend that elongated members have lower spin rate, and less elongated members have higher spin rate. The mean rotation rate of the Karin family members turned out to be much lower than those of NEAs (near-Earth asteroids) or smaller MBAs (main belt asteroids; diameter D130 km), suggesting the existence of post-disruption evolution process over the spin state of the older asteroids, such as the YORP effect.

Conditions for Gravitational Instability in Protoplanetary Disks

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:42:28 +0000

Gravitational instability is one of considerable mechanisms to explain the formation of giant planets. We study the gravitational stability for the protoplanetary disks around a protostar. The temperature and Toomre’s Q-value are calculated by assuming local equilibrium between viscous heating and radiative cooling (local thermal equilibrium). We assume constant $\alpha$ viscosity and use a cooling function with realistic opacity. Then, we derive the critical surface density $\Sigma_{\rm{c}}$ that is necessary for a disk to become gravitationally unstable as a function of $r$. This critical surface density $\Sigma_{\rm c}$ is strongly affected by the temperature dependence of the opacity. At the radius $r_{\rm c}\sim 20$AU, where ices form, the value of $\Sigma_{\rm c}$ changes discontinuously by one order of magnitude. This $\Sigma_{\rm c}$ is determined only by local thermal process and criterion of gravitational instability. By comparing a given surface density profile to $\Sigma_{\rm c}$, one can discuss the gravitational instability of protoplanetary disks. As an example, we discuss the gravitational instability of two semi-analytic models for protoplanetary disks. One is the steady state accretion disk, which is realized after the viscous evolution. The other is the disk that has the same angular momentum distribution with its parent cloud core, which corresponds to the disk that has just formed. As a result, it is found that the disks tend to become gravitationally unstable for $r\ge r_{\rm c}$ because ices enable the disks to become low temperature. In the region closer to the protostar than $r_{\rm c}$, it is difficult for a typical protoplanetary disk to fragment because of the high temperature and the large Coriolis force. From this result, we conclude that the fragmentation near the central star is possible but difficult.

Rapid growth of gas-giant cores by pebble accretion

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:41:23 +0000

The observed lifetimes of gaseous protoplanetary discs place strong constraints on gas and ice giant formation in the core accretion scenario. The approximately 10-Earth-mass solid core responsible for the attraction of the gaseous envelope has to form before gas dissipation in the protoplanetary disc is completed within 1-10 million years. Building up the core by collisions between km-sized planetesimals fails to meet this time-scale constraint, especially at wide stellar separations. Nonetheless, gas-giant planets are detected by direct imaging at wide orbital distances. In this paper, we numerically study the growth of cores by the accretion of cm-sized pebbles loosely coupled to the gas. We measure the accretion rate onto seed masses ranging from a large planetesimal to a fully grown 10-Earth-mass core and test different particle sizes. The numerical results are in good agreement with our analytic expressions, indicating the existence of two accretion regimes, one set by the azimuthal and radial particle drift for the lower seed masses and the other, for higher masses, by the velocity at the edge of the Hill sphere. In the former, the optimally accreted particle size increases with core mass, while in the latter the optimal size is centimeters, independent of core mass. We discuss the implications for rapid core growth of gas-giant and ice-giant cores. We conclude that pebble accretion can resolve the long-standing core accretion time-scale conflict. This requires a near-unity dust-to-gas ratio in the midplane, particle growth to mm and cm and the formation of massive planetesimals or low radial pressure support. The core growth time-scale is shortened by a factor 30-1,000 at 5 AU and by a factor 100-10,000 at 50 AU, compared to the gravitationally focused accretion of, respectively, low-scale-height planetesimal fragments or standard km-sized planetesimals.

The GJ 436 System: Directly Determined Astrophysical Parameters of an M-Dwarf and Implications for the Transiting Hot Neptune [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:34:50 +0000

The late-type dwarf GJ 436 is known to host a transiting Neptune-mass planet in a 2.6-day orbit. We present results of our interferometric measurements to directly determine the stellar diameter ($R_{\star} = 0.455 \pm 0.018 R_{\odot}$) and effective temperature ($T_{\rm EFF} = 3416 \pm 54$ K). We combine our stellar parameters with literature time-series data, which allows us to calculate physical and orbital system parameters, including GJ 436’s stellar mass ($M_{\star} = 0.507^{+ 0.071}_{- 0.062} M_{\odot}$) and density ($\rho_* = 5.37^{+ 0.30}_{- 0.27} \rho_\odot$), planetary radius ($R_{p} = 0.369^{+ 0.015}_{- 0.015} R_{Jupiter}$), planetary mass ($M_{p} = 0.078^{+ 0.007}_{- 0.008} M_{Jupiter}$), implying a mean planetary density of $\rho_{p} = 1.55^{+ 0.12}_{- 0.10} \rho_{Jupiter}$. These values are generally in good agreement with previous literature estimates based on assumed stellar mass and photometric light curve fitting. Finally, we examine the expected phase curves of the hot Neptune GJ 436b, based on various assumptions concerning the efficiency of energy redistribution in the planetary atmosphere, and find that it could be constrained with {\it Spitzer} monitoring observations.

Trailing (L5) Neptune Trojans: 2004 KV18 and 2008 LC18 [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:32:08 +0000

The population of Neptune Trojans is believed to be bigger than that of Jupiter Trojans and that of asteroids in the main belt, although only eight members of this far distant asteroid swarm have been observed up to now. Six leading Neptune Trojans around the Lagrange point L4 discovered earlier have been studied in detail, but two trailing ones found recently around the L5 point, 2004 KV18 and 2008 LC18, have not been investigated yet. In this paper, we report our investigations on the dynamical behaviors of these two new Neptune Trojans. Our calculations show that the asteroid 2004 KV18 is a temporary Neptune Trojan. Most probably, it was captured into the trailing Trojan cloud no earlier than 203kyr ago, and it will not keep this identity no later than 165kyr in future. Based on the statistics on our orbital simulations, we argue that this object is more like a scattered Kuiper belt object. On the contrary, the orbit of asteroid 2008 LC18 is much more stable. Among the clone orbits spread within the orbital uncertainties, a considerable portion of clones may survive on the L5 tadpole orbits for 4Gyr. The strong dependence of the stability on the semimajor axis and resonant angle suggests that further observations are badly needed to confine the orbit in the stable region. We also discuss the implications of the existence and dynamics of these two trailing Trojans on the Solar system history.

The Habitable Zone and Extreme Planetary Orbits

astro-ph — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:46:16 +0000

The Habitable Zone for a given star describes the range of circumstellar distances from the star within which a planet could have liquid water on its surface, which depends upon the stellar properties. Here we describe the development of the Habitable Zone concept, its application to our own Solar System, and its subsequent application to exoplanetary systems. We further apply this to planets in extreme eccentric orbits and show how they may still retain lifebearing properties depending upon the percentage of the total orbit which is spent within the Habitable Zone.

Predicting the Configuration of Planetary System: KOI-152 Observed by Kepler

astro-ph — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:46:01 +0000

The recent Kepler discovery of KOI-152 reveals a system of three hot super-Earth candidates that are in or near a 4:2:1 mean motion resonance. It is unlikely that they formed in situ, the planets probably underwent orbital migration during the formation and evolution process. The small semimajor axes of the three planets suggest that migration stopped at the inner edge of the primordial gas disk. In this paper we focus on the influence of migration halting mechanisms, including migration “dead zones”, and inner truncation by the stellar magnetic field. We show that the stellar accretion rate, stellar magnetic field and the speed of migration in the proto-planetary disk are the main factors affecting the final configuration of KOI-152. Our simulations suggest that three planets may be around a star with low star accretion rate or with high magnetic field. On the other hand, slow type I migration, which decreases to one tenth of the linear analysis results, favors forming the configuration of KOI-152. Under such formation scenario, the planets in the system are not massive enough to open gaps in the gas disk. The upper limit of the planetary masses are estimated to be about $15,~19$, and $24 M_\oplus$, respectively. Our results are also indicative of the near Laplacian configurations that are quite common in planetary systems.

Astronomical Evidence for the Rapid Growth of Millimeter Sized Particles in Protoplanetary Disks

astro-ph — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:43:55 +0000

I summarize recent surveys of protoplanetary disks at millimeter wavelengths and show that the distribution of luminosity, equivalent to the mass in small dust grains, declines rapidly. This contrasts with statistics on the lifetime of disks from infrared observations and the high occurrence of planets from radial velocity and transit surveys. I suggest that these disparate results can be reconciled if most of the dust in a disk is locked up in millimeter and larger sized particles within about 2 Myr. This general statistical result on disk evolution agrees with detailed modeling of a small number of individual disks and with cosmochemical measurements of chondrule ages.

Astrophysical objects observed by the MESSENGER X-ray spectrometer during Mercury flybys

astro-ph — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:43:07 +0000

The MESSENGER spacecraft conducted its first flyby of Mercury on 14th January 2008, followed by two subsequent encounters on 6th October 2008 and 29th September 2009, prior to Mercury orbit insertion on 18th March 2011. We have reviewed MESSENGER flight telemetry and X-ray Spectrometer observations from the first two encounters, and correlate several prominent features in the data with the presence of astrophysical X-ray sources in the instrument field of view. We find that two X-ray peaks attributed in earlier work to the detection of suprathermal electrons from the Mercury magnetosphere, are likely to contain a significant number of events that are of astrophysical origin. The intensities of these two peaks cannot be explained entirely on the basis of astrophysical sources, and we support the previous suprathermal explanation but suggest that the electron fluxes derived in those studies be revised to correct for a significant astrophysical signal.

Rapid Coagulation of Porous Dust Aggregates Outside the Snow Line: A Pathway to Successful Icy Planetesimal Formation [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:33:11 +0000

Rapid orbital drift of macroscopic dust particles is one of the major obstacles against planetesimal formation in protoplanetary disks. We reexamine this problem by considering porosity evolution of dust aggregates. We apply a porosity model based on recent N-body simulations of aggregate collisions, which allows us to study the porosity change upon collision for a wide range of impact energies. As a first step, we neglect collisional fragmentation and instead focus on dust evolution outside the snow line, where the fragmentation has been suggested to be less significant than inside the snow line because of a high sticking efficiency of icy particles. We show that dust particles can evolve into highly porous aggregates (with internal densities of much less than 0.1 g/cm^3) even if collisional compression is taken into account. We also show that the high porosity triggers significant acceleration in collisional growth. This acceleration is a natural consequence of particles’ aerodynamical property at low Knudsen numbers, i.e., at particle radii larger than the mean free path of the gas molecules. Thanks to this rapid growth, the highly porous aggregates are found to overcome the radial drift barrier at orbital radii less than 10 AU (assuming the minimum-mass solar nebula model). This suggests that, if collisional fragmentation is truly insignificant, formation of icy planetesimals is possible via direct collisional growth of submicron-sized icy particles.

Trailing (L5) Neptune Trojans: 2004 KV18 and 2008 LC18

astro-ph — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:41:24 +0000

The Frequency of Hot Jupiters Orbiting Nearby Solar-Type Stars

astro-ph — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:38:34 +0000

We determine the fraction of F, G, and K dwarfs in the Solar Neighborhood hosting hot jupiters as measured by the California Planet Survey from the Lick and Keck planet searches. We find the rate to be 1.2\pm0.38%, which is consistent with the rate reported by Mayor et al. (2011) from the HARPS and CORALIE radial velocity surveys. These numbers are more than double the rate reported by Howard et al. (2011) for Kepler stars and the rate of Gould et al. (2006) from the OGLE-III transit search, however due to small number statistics these differences are of only marginal statistical significance. We explore some of the difficulties in estimating this rate from the existing radial velocity data sets and comparing radial velocity rates to rates from other techniques.

Kepler constraints on planets near hot Jupiters

astro-ph — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:36:44 +0000

We present the results of a search for planetary companions orbiting near hot Jupiter planet candidates (Jupiter-size candidates with orbital periods near 3 days) identified in the Kepler data through its sixth quarter of science operations. Special emphasis is given to companions between the 2:1 interior and exterior mean-motion resonances. A photometric transit search excludes companions with sizes ranging from roughly 2/3 to 5 times the size of the Earth, depending upon the noise properties of the target star. A search for dynamically induced deviations from a constant period (transit timing variations or TTVs) also shows no significant signals. In contrast, comparison studies of warm Jupiters (with slightly larger orbits) and hot Neptune-size candidates do exhibit signatures of additional companions with these same tests. These differences between hot Jupiters and other planetary systems denote a distinctly different formation or dynamical history.

Stability Regions Around the Components of the Triple System 2001 SN263 [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:32:18 +0000

The NEAs (Near-Earth Asteroids) are good targets for spatial missions, since they periodically approach the orbit of the Earth. Recently, the NEA (153591) 2001 SN263 was chosen as the target of the ASTER MISSION- First Brazilian Deep Space Mission, planned to be launched in 2015. In February 2008, the radio astronomers from Arecibo-Puerto Rico concluded that (153591) 2001 SN263 is actually a triple system (Nolan et al., 2008). The announcement of the ASTER MISSION has motivated the development of the present work, whose goal is to characterize regions of stability and instability of the triple system (153591) 2001 SN263. The method adopted consisted in dividing the region around the system into four distinct regions. We have performed numerical integrations of systems composed by seven bodies: Sun, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and the three components of the system, and by thousands of particles randomly distributed within the demarcated regions, for the planar and inclined prograde cases. The results are diagrams of semi-major axis versus eccentricity, where it is shown the percentage of particles that survive for each set of initial conditions. The regions where 100% of the particles survive is defined as stable regions. We found that the stable regions are in the neighborhood of Alpha and Beta, and in the external region. It was identified resonant motion of the particles with Beta and Gamma in the internal regions, which lead to instability. For particles with I>45{\deg} in the internal region, where I is the inclination with respect to Alpha’s equator, there is no stable region, except for the particles placed really close to Alpha. The stability in the external region is not affected by the variation of inclination. We also present a discussion on the long-term stability in the internal region, for the planar and circular cases, with comparisons with the short-term stability.

Testing a hypothesis of the \nu Octantis planetary system [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:31:42 +0000

We investigate the orbital stability of a putative Jovian planet reported by Ramm et. al in a compact binary \nu Octantis. Our numerical study makes use of a new computational Message Passing Interface (MPI) framework Mechanic which we developed to run massive numerical experiments on CPU clusters. The code is illustrated on a model Hamiltonian introduced by Froeschl\’e et al. We confirm that the \nu Octantis planet could reside in a retrograde orbit, according with a hypothesis of Eberle & Cuntz. It may be present in a zone of stable motions which has a structure of the Arnold web formed due to overlapping of low-order mean motion resonances and their sub-resonances. We also re-analyzed the available radial velocity data in terms of self-consistent Newtonian N-body model. We found stable best-fit solutions that obey the observational constraints. They correspond to retrograde, strictly anti-aligned orbits of the binary and the planet. However, these solutions are confined in very small stable regions of the phase space. The presence of a real planet in the system is still questionable, because its formation would be hindered by strong dynamical perturbations.

Constraining Tidal Dissipation in Stars from The Destruction Rates of Exoplanets

astro-ph — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:47:38 +0000

We use the distribution of extrasolar planets in circular orbits around stars with surface convective zones detected by ground based transit searches to constrain how efficiently tides raised by the planet are dissipated on the parent star. We parameterize this efficiency as a tidal quality factor (Q*). We conclude that the population of currently known planets is inconsistent with Q*<10^7 at the 99% level. Previous studies show that values of Q* between 10^5 and 10^7 are required in order to explain the orbital circularization of main sequence low mass binary stars in clusters, suggesting that different dissipation mechanisms might be acting in the two cases, most likely due to the very different tidal forcing frequencies relative to the stellar rotation frequency occurring for star–star versus planet–star systems.

Geometrical Cross Sections of Dust Aggregates and a Compression Model for Aggregate Collisions

astro-ph — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:45:01 +0000

Geometrical cross sections of dust aggregates determine their coupling with disk gas, which governs their motions in protoplanetary disks. Collisional outcomes also depend on geometrical cross sections of initial aggregates. In the previous paper, we performed three-dimensional N-body simulations of sequential collisions of aggregates composed of a number of sub-micron-sized icy particles and examined radii of gyration (and bulk densities) of the obtained aggregates. We showed that collisional compression of aggregates is not efficient and that aggregates remain fluffy. In the present study, we examine geometrical cross sections of the aggregates. Their cross sections decreases due to the compression as well as their gyration radii. It is found that a relation between the cross section and the gyration radius proposed by Okuzumi et al. is valid for the compressed aggregates. We also refine the compression model proposed in our previous paper. The refined model enables us to calculate the evolution of both gyration radii and cross sections of growing aggregates and reproduces well our numerical results of sequential aggregate collisions. The refined model can describe non-equal-mass collisions as well as equal-mass case. Although we do not take into account oblique collisions in the present study, oblique collisions would further hinder compression of aggregates.

Nano dust impacts on spacecraft and boom antenna charging [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:31:32 +0000

High rate sampling detectors measuring the potential difference between the main body and boom antennas of interplanetary spacecraft have been shown to be efficient means to measure the voltage pulses induced by nano dust impacts on the spacecraft body itself (see Meyer-Vernet et al, Solar Phys. 256, 463 (2009)). However, rough estimates of the free charge liberated in post impact expanding plasma cloud indicate that the cloud’s own internal electrostatic field is too weak to account for measured pulses as the ones from the TDS instrument on the STEREO spacecraft frequently exceeding 0.1 V/m. In this paper we argue that the detected pulses are not a direct measure of the potential structure of the plasma cloud, but are rather the consequence of a transitional interruption of the photoelectron return current towards the portion of the antenna located within the expanding cloud.

Evidence for the dissipation region in magnetotail reconnection

astro-ph — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:34:48 +0000

Signatures of the dissipation region of collisionless magnetic reconnection are investigated by the Geotail spacecraft for the 15 May 2003 event. The energy dissipation in the rest frame of the electron’s bulk flow is considered in an approximate form D*_e, which is validated by a particle-in-cell simulation. The dissipation measure is directly evaluated from the {plasma moments}, the electric field, and the magnetic field. Using D*_e, a compact dissipation region is successfully detected in the vicinity of the possible X-point in Geotail data. The dissipation rate is 45 pWm**{-3}. The length of the dissipation region is estimated to 1–2 local ion inertial length. The Lorentz work W, the work rate by Lorentz force to plasmas, is also introduced. It is positive over the reconnection region and it has a peak around the pileup region away from the X-point. These new measures D*_e and W provide useful information to understand the reconnection structure.

Detection of Thermal Emission from a Super-Earth

astro-ph — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:34:27 +0000

We report on the detection of infrared light from the super-Earth 55 Cnc e, based on four occultations obtained with Warm Spitzer at 4.5 microns. Our data analysis consists of a two-part process. In a first step, we perform individual analyses of each dataset and compare several baseline models to optimally account for the systematics affecting each lightcurve. We apply independent photometric correction techniques, including polynomial detrending and pixel-mapping, that yield consistent results at the 1-sigma level. In a second step, we perform a global MCMC analysis including all four datasets, that yields an occultation depth of 131+-28ppm, translating to a brightness temperature of 2360+-300 K in the IRAC-4.5 micron channel. This occultation depth suggests a low Bond albedo coupled to an inefficient heat transport from the planetary dayside to the nightside, or else possibly that the 4.5-micron observations probe atmospheric layers that are hotter than the maximum equilibrium temperature (i.e., a thermal inversion layer or a deep hot layer). The measured occultation phase and duration are consistent with a circular orbit and improves the 3-sigma upper limit on 55 Cnc e’s orbital eccentricity from 0.25 to 0.06.

Nano dust impacts on spacecraft and boom antenna charging [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:31:13 +0000

High rate sampling detectors measuring the potential difference between the main body and boom antennas of interplanetary spacecraft have been shown to be efficient means to measure the voltage pulses induced by nano dust impacts on the spacecraft body itself (see Meyer-Vernet et al, Solar Phys. 256, 463 (2009)). However, rough estimates of the free charge liberated in post impact expanding plasma cloud indicate that the cloud’s own internal electrostatic field is too weak to account for measured pulses as the ones from the TDS instrument on the STEREO spacecraft frequently exceeding 0.1 V/m$. In this paper we argue that the detected pulses are not a direct measure of the potential structure of the plasma cloud, but are rather the consequence of a transitional interruption of the photoelectron return current towards the portion of the antenna located within the expanding cloud.

A False Positive For Ocean Glint on Exoplanets: the Latitude-Albedo Effect

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:06:58 +0000

Identifying liquid water on the surface of planets is a high priority, as this traditionally defines habitability. One proposed signature of oceans is specular reflection (“glint”), which increases the apparent albedo of a planet at crescent phases. We post-process a global climate model of an Earth-like planet to simulate reflected lightcurves. Significantly, we obtain glint-like phase variations even though we do not include specular reflection in our model. This false positive is the product of two generic properties: 1) for modest obliquities, a planet’s poles receive less orbit-averaged stellar flux than its equator, so the poles are more likely to be covered in highly reflective snow and ice, and 2) we show that reflected light from a modest-obliquity planet at crescent phases probes higher latitudes than at gibbous phases, therefore a planet’s apparent albedo will naturally increase at crescent phase. We suggest that this “latitude-albedo effect” will operate even for large obliquities: in that case the equator receives less orbit-averaged flux than the poles, and the equator is preferentially sampled at crescent phase. Using rotational and orbital color variations to map the surfaces of directly imaged planets and estimate their obliquity will therefore be a necessary pre-condition for properly interpreting their reflected phase variations. The latitude-albedo effect is a particularly convincing glint false positive for zero-obliquity planets, and such worlds are not amenable to latitudinal mapping. This effect severely limits the utility of specular reflection for detecting oceans on exoplanets.

Chaotic exchange of solid material between planetary systems: implications for lithopanspermia

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:06:35 +0000

We examine a low energy mechanism for the transfer of meteoroids between two planetary systems embedded in a star cluster using quasi-parabolic orbits of minimal energy. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the exchange of meteoroids could have been significantly more efficient than previously estimated. Our study is relevant to astrobiology as it addresses whether life on Earth could have been transferred to other planetary systems in the solar system’s birth cluster and whether life on Earth could have been transferred here from beyond the solar system. In the solar system, the timescale over which solid material was delivered to the region from where it could be transferred via this mechanism likely extended to several hundred million years (as indicated by the 3.8-4.0 Ga epoch of the Late Heavy Bombardment). This timescale could have overlapped with the lifetime of the Solar birth cluster (~100-500 Myr). Therefore, we conclude that lithopanspermia is an open possibility if life had an early start. Adopting parameters from the minimum mass solar nebula, considering a range of planetesimal size distributions derived from observations of asteroids and Kuiper Belt Objects and theoretical coagulation models, and taking into account Oort Cloud formation models, the expected number of bodies with mass > 10 kg that could have been transferred between the Sun and its nearest cluster neighbor could be of the order of 1E14-3E16, with transfer timescales of 10s Myr. We estimate that of the order of 3E8 x l(km) could potentially be life-bearing, where l(km) is the depth of the Earth crust in km that was ejected as the result of the early bombardment.

Free-free Emission and Radio Recombination Lines from Photoevaporating Disks

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:04:38 +0000

Recent infrared observations have demonstrated that photoevaporation driven by high-energy photons from the central star contributes to the dispersal of protoplanetary disks. Here, we show that photoevaporative winds should produce a detectable free-free continuum emission given the range of stellar ionizing photons and X-ray luminosities inferred for young sun-like stars. We point out that VLA observations of the nearby disk around TWHya might have already detected this emission at centimeter wavelengths and calculate the wind electron density and mass flow rate. We also estimate the intensities of H radio recombination lines tracing the wind and discuss which ones could be detected with current instrumentation. The detection and profiles of these recombination lines would unambiguously prove our inference of free-free emission from photoevaporating disks like TWHya. In addition, radio/millimeter data can help constraining wind parameters such as temperature and electron density that are fundamental in measuring mass flow rates.

Testing a hypothesis of the \nu Octantis planetary system

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:48:39 +0000

Volatile transport on inhomogeneous surfaces: I. Analytic expressions, with application to Pluto’s day

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:46:18 +0000

An analytic expression for the variation in surface and sub-surface temperature is developed for worlds whose surface pressures are nearly constant with latitude and longitude and whose atmospheres are in vapor-pressure equilibrium with the dominant surface volatiles. Such worlds include the current Pluto and Triton, and other volatile-covered Kuiper Belt Objects during some portion of their heliocentric orbit. The expressions also apply on worlds with negligible horizontal heat flow, such as asteroids. Temperature variations in volatile-covered or bare areas as a function of time is derived in terms of three thermal parameters relating to (1) the thermal wave within the substrate, (2) the energy needed to heat an isothermal volatile slab, and (3) the buffering by the latent heat needed to change the atmospheric surface pressure. For Pluto’s current surface pressure (~17 microbar), atmospheric buffering dominates over subsurface effects on diurnal timescales, and should keep the surface pressure over a Pluto day constant to within 0.2%.

Design and Construction of Absorption Cells for Precision Radial Velocities in the K Band using Methane Isotopologues

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:45:21 +0000

We present a method to optimize absorption cells for precise wavelength calibration in the near-infrared. We apply it to design and optimize methane isotopologue cells for precision radial velocity measurements in the K band. We also describe the construction and installation of two such cells for the CSHELL spectrograph at NASA’s IRTF. We have obtained their high-resolution laboratory spectra, which we can then use in precision radial velocity measurements and which can also have other applications. In terms of obtainable RV precision methane should out-perform other proposed cells, such as the ammonia cell ($^{14}$NH$_{3}$) recently demonstrated on CRIRES/VLT. The laboratory spectra of Ammonia and the Methane cells show strong absorption features in the H band that could also be exploited for precision Doppler measurements. We present spectra and preliminary radial velocity measurements obtained during our first-light run. These initial results show that a precision down to 20-30 m s$^{-1}$ can be obtained using a wavelength interval of only 5 nm in the K band and S/N$\sim$150. This supports the prediction that a precision down to a few m s$^{-1}$ can be achieved on late M dwarfs using the new generation of NIR spectrographs, thus enabling the detection of terrestrial planets in their habitable zones. Doppler measurements in the NIR can also be used to mitigate the radial velocity jitter due to stellar activity enabling more efficient surveys on young active stars.

Nano dust impacts on spacecraft and boom antenna charging

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:43:25 +0000

High rate sampling detectors measuring the potential difference between the main body and boom antennas of interplanetary spacecraft have been shown to be efficient means to measure the voltage pulses induced by nano dust impacts on the spacecraft body itself (see Meyer-Vernet et al, Solar Phys. 256, 463 (2009)). However, rough estimates of the free charge liberated in post impact expanding plasma cloud indicate that the cloud’s own internal electrostatic field is too weak to account for measured pulses as the ones from the TDS instrument on the STEREO spacecraft frequently exceeding 0.1 V/m$. In this paper we argue that the detected pulses are not a direct measure of the potential structure of the plasma cloud, but are rather the consequence of a transitional interruption of the photoelectron return current towards the portion of the antenna located within the expanding cloud.

The Dynamical Environment of Dawn at Vesta [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:39:13 +0000

Dawn is the first NASA mission to operate in the vicinity of the two most massive asteroids in the main belt, Ceres and Vesta. This double-rendezvous mission is enabled by the use of low-thrust solar electric propulsion. Dawn will arrive at Vesta in 2011 and will operate in its vicinity for approximately one year. Vesta’s mass and non-spherical shape, coupled with its rotational period, presents very interesting challenges to a spacecraft that depends principally upon low-thrust propulsion for trajectory-changing maneuvers. The details of Vesta’s high-order gravitational terms will not be determined until after Dawn’s arrival at Vesta, but it is clear that their effect on Dawn operations creates the most complex operational environment for a NASA mission to date. Gravitational perturbations give rise to oscillations in Dawn’s orbital radius, and it is found that trapping of the spacecraft is possible near the 1:1 resonance between Dawn’s orbital period and Vesta’s rotational period, located approximately between 520 and 580 km orbital radius.This resonant trapping can be escaped by thrusting at the appropriate orbital phase. Having passed through the 1:1 resonance, gravitational perturbations ultimately limit the minimum radius for low-altitude operations to about 400 km,in order to safely prevent surface impact. The lowest practical orbit is desirable in order to maximize signal-to-noise and spatial resolution of the Gamma-Ray and Neutron Detector and to provide the highest spatial resolution observations by Dawn’s Framing Camera and Visible InfraRed mapping spectrometer. Dawn dynamical behavior is modeled in the context of a wide range of Vesta gravity models. Many of these models are distinguishable during Dawn’s High Altitude Mapping Orbit and the remainder are resolved during Dawn’s Low Altitude Mapping Orbit, providing insight into Vesta’s interior structure.

They might be giants: luminosity class, planet frequency, and planet-metallicity relation of the coolest Kepler target stars [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:33:38 +0000

We estimate the stellar parameters of late K and early M type Kepler target stars. We obtain medium resolution visible spectra of 382 stars with Kp-J>2 (~K5 and later spectral type). We determine luminosity class by comparing the strength of gravity-sensitive indices (CaH, K I, Ca II, and Na I) to their strength in a sample of stars of known luminosity class. We find that giants constitute 96+-% of the bright (Kp14) stars, significantly higher than fractions based on the stellar parameters quoted in the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC). The KIC effective temperatures are systematically (110 +15 -35} K) higher than temperatures we determine from fitting our spectra to PHOENIX stellar models. Through Monte Carlo simulations of the Kepler exoplanet candidate population, we find a planet occurrence of 0.36+-0.08 when giant stars are properly removed, somewhat higher than when a KIC log(g)>4 criterion is used (0.27+-0.05). Lastly, we show that there is no significant difference in g-r color (a probe of metallicity) between late-type Kepler stars with transiting Earth-to-Neptune sized exoplanet candidates and dwarf stars with no detected transits. We show that a previous claimed offset between these two populations is most likely an artifact of including a large number of misidentified giants.

Dusty Planetary Systems [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:33:24 +0000

Extensive photometric stellar surveys show that many main sequence stars show emission at infrared and longer wavelengths that is in excess of the stellar photosphere; this emission is thought to arise from circumstellar dust. The presence of dust disks is confirmed by spatially resolved imaging at infrared to millimeter wavelengths (tracing the dust thermal emission), and at optical to near infrared wavelengths (tracing the dust scattered light). Because the expected lifetime of these dust particles is much shorter than the age of the stars (>10 Myr), it is inferred that this solid material not primordial, i.e. the remaining from the placental cloud of gas and dust where the star was born, but instead is replenished by dust-producing planetesimals. These planetesimals are analogous to the asteroids, comets and Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) in our Solar system that produce the interplanetary dust that gives rise to the zodiacal light (tracing the inner component of the Solar system debris disk). The presence of these “debris disks” around stars with a wide range of masses, luminosities, and metallicities, with and without binary companions, is evidence that planetesimal formation is a robust process that can take place under a wide range of conditions. This chapter is divided in two parts. Part I discusses how the study of the Solar system debris disk and the study of debris disks around other stars can help us learn about the formation, evolution and diversity of planetary systems by shedding light on the frequency and timing of planetesimal formation, the location and physical properties of the planetesimals, the presence of long-period planets, and the dynamical and collisional evolution of the system. Part II reviews the physical processes that affect dust particles in the gas-free environment of a debris disk and their effect on the dust particle size and spatial distribution.

Constraints on Galileon-induced precessions from solar system orbital motions [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:32:47 +0000

We use latest data from solar system planetary orbital motions to put constraints on some Galileon-induced precessional effects. Due to the Vainshtein mechanism, the Galileon-type spherically symmetric field of a monopole induces a small, screened correction proprtional to \sqrt{r} to its usual r^-1 Newtonian potential which causes a secular precession of the pericenter of a test particle. In the case of our solar system, latest data from Mars allow to constrain the magnitude of such an interaction down to \alpha <= 0.3 level. Another Galileon-type effect which might impact solar system dynamics is due to an unscreened constant gradient induced by the peculiar motion of the Galaxy. The magnitude of such an effect, depending on the different gravitational binding energies of the Sun and the planets, is \xi <= 0.004 from the latest bounds on the supplementary perihelion precession of Saturn.

Tidal synchronization of close-in satellites and exoplanets. A rheophysical approach [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:32:00 +0000

New theory of the dynamical tides of celestial bodies founded on a Newtonian creep instead of the classical delaying approach of the standard viscoelastic theories. The results of the theory derive mainly from the solution of a non-homogeneous ordinary differential equation. Lags appear in the solution, but as quantities determined from the solution of the equation and are not arbitrary external quantities plugged on an elastic model. The resulting lag of each tide component is an increasing function of its frequency (as in Darwin’s theory), and lags are not small quantities. The amplitudes of the tide components depend on the viscosity of the body and on their frequencies; they are not constants. The resulting stationary rotations (often called pseudo-synchronous) have an excess velocity roughly proportional to 6ne^2/(X^2+1/X^2) (X is the mean-motion in units of one relaxation factor inversely proportional to the viscosity) instead of the exact 6ne^2 of standard theories. The dissipation in the pseudo-synchronous solution is inversely proportional to (X+1/X); thus, in the inviscid limit it is roughly proportional to the frequency (as in standard theories), but that behavior is inverted when the viscosity is high and the relaxation factor much smaller than the tide frequency. For free rotating bodies, the dissipation is given by the same law, but now X is the frequency of the semidiurnal tide in units of the relaxation factor. This approach fails, however, to reproduce the actual tidal lags on Earth and on natural satellites. To reconcile theory and observations, in this case, we had to assume the coexistence of an elastic tide superposed to the creeping tide. The theory is applied to several Solar System and extrasolar bodies and values of the relaxation factor \gamma\ are derived for these bodies on the basis of currently available data.

Precision Astrometry of the Exoplanet Host Candidate GD 66

astro-ph — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:53:45 +0000

The potential existence of a giant planet orbiting within a few AU of a stellar remnant has profound implications for both the survival and possible regeneration of planets during post-main sequence stellar evolution. This paper reports Hubble Space Telescope Fine Guidance Sensor and U.S. Naval Observatory relative astrometry of GD 66, a white dwarf thought to harbor a giant planet between 2 and 3 AU based on stellar pulsation arrival times. Combined with existing infrared data, the precision measurements here rule out all stellar-mass and brown dwarf companions, implying that only a planet remains plausible, if orbital motion is indeed the cause of the variations in pulsation timing.

A dynamical analysis of the Kepler-11 planetary system

astro-ph — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:49:53 +0000

The Kepler-11 star hosts at least six transiting super-Earth planets detected through the precision photometric observations of the KEPLER mission (Lissauer et al.). In this paper, we re-analyze the available KEPLER data, using the direct N-body approach rather than an indirect TTV method in the discovery paper. The orbital modeling in the realm of the direct approach relies on the whole data set, rather than the times of mid-transits only. Most of the results in the original paper are confirmed and extended. We constrained the mass of the outermost planet g to less than 30 Earth masses. The mutual inclinations between orbits b and c as well as between orbits d and e are determined with a good precision, in the range of [1,5] degrees. Having several solutions to four qualitative orbital models of the Kepler-11 system, we analyze its global dynamics with the help of dynamical maps. They reveal very complex structure of the phase space with narrow regions of regular motion. The dynamics are governed by a dense net of three- and four-body mean motion resonances, forming the Arnold web. Overlapping of these resonances is a main source of instability. We found that the Kepler-11 system may be long-term stable only in particular multiple resonant configurations with small relative inclinations. The mass-radius data derived for all companions reveal a clear anti-correlation between the mean density of the planets with their distance from the star. It may reflect the formation and early evolution history of the system.

Study of Resonances for the Restricted 3-Body Problem

astro-ph — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:43:52 +0000

Our aim is to identify and classify mean-motion resonances (MMRs) for the coplanar circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) for mass ratios between 0.10 and 0.50. Our methods include the maximum Lyapunov exponent, which is used as an indicator for the location of the resonances, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) used for determining what kind of resonances are present, and the inspection of the orbital elements to classify the periodicity. We show that the 2:1 resonance occurs the most frequently. Among other resonances, the 3:1 resonance is the second most common, and furthermore both 3:2 and 5:3 resonances occur more often than the 4:1 resonance. Moreover, the resonances in the coplanar CR3BP are classified based on the behaviour of the orbits. We show that orbital stability is ensured for high values of resonance (i.e., high ratios) where only a single resonance is present. The resonances attained are consistent with the previously established resonances for the Solar System, i.e., specifically, in regards to the asteroid belt. Previous work employed digital filtering and Lyapunov characteristic exponents to determine stochasticity of the eccentricity, which is found to be consistent with our usage of Lyapunov exponents as an alternate approach based on varying the mass ratio instead of the eccentricity. Our results are expected to be of principal interest to future studies, including augmentations to observed or proposed resonances, of extra-solar planets in binary stellar systems.

A consistent analysis of three years of ground- and space-based photometry of TrES-2

astro-ph — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:42:44 +0000

The G0V dwarf TrES-2A, which is transited by a hot Jupiter, is one of the main short-cadence targets of the Kepler telescope and, therefore, among the photometrically best-studied planetary systems known today. Given the near-grazing geometry of the planetary orbit, TrES-2 offers an outstanding opportunity to search for changes in its orbital geometry. Our study focuses on the secular change in orbital inclination reported in previous studies. We present a joint analysis of the first four quarters of Kepler photometry together with the publicly available ground-based data obtained since the discovery of TrES-2b in 2006. We use a common approach based on the latest information regarding the visual companion of TrES-2A and stellar limb darkening to further refine the orbital parameters. We find that the Kepler observations rule out a secular inclination change of previously claimed order as well as variations of the transit timing, however, they also show slight indication for further variability in the inclination which remains marginally significant.

Variability of the Infrared Excess of Extreme Debris Disks

astro-ph — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:39:12 +0000

Debris disks with extremely large infrared excesses (fractional luminosities $> 10^{-2}$) are rare. Those with ages between 30 and 130 Myr are of interest because their evolution has progressed well beyond that of protoplanetary disks (which dissipate with a timescale of order 3 Myr), yet they represent a period when dynamical models suggest that terrestrial planet building may still be progressing through large, violent collisions that could yield large amounts of debris and large infrared excesses. For example, our Moon was formed through a violent collision of two large proto-planets during this age range. We report two disks around the solar-like stars ID8 and HD 23514 in this age range where the 24 {\mu}m infrared excesses vary on timescales of a few years, even though the stars are not variable in the optical. Variations this rapid are difficult to understand if the debris is produced by collisional cascades, as it is for most debris disks. It is possible that the debris in these two systems arises in part from condensates from silicate-rich vapor produced in a series of violent collisions among relatively large bodies. If their evolution is rapid, the rate of detection of extreme excesses would indicate that major collisions may be relatively common in this age range.

ROPS: A New Search for Habitable Earths in the Southern Sky [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:31:54 +0000

We present the first results from our Red Optical Planet Survey (ROPS) to search for low mass planets orbiting late type dwarfs (M5.5V – M9V) in their habitable zones (HZ). Our observations, with the red arm of the MIKE spectrograph (0.5 – 0.9 microns) at the 6.5 m Magellan Clay telescope at Las Campanas Observatory indicate that >= 92 per cent of the flux lies beyond 0.7 microns. We use a novel approach that is essentially a hybrid of the simultaneous iodine and ThAr methods for determining precision radial velocities. We apply least squares deconvolution to obtain a single high S/N ratio stellar line for each spectrum and cross correlate against the simultaneously observed telluric line profile, which we derive in the same way. Utilising the 0.62 – 0.90 micron region, we have achieved an r.m.s. precision of 10 m/s for an M5.5V spectral type star with spectral S/N ~160 on 5 minute timescales. By M8V spectral type, a precision of ~30 m/s at S/N = 25 is suggested, although more observations are needed. An assessment of our errors and scatter in the radial velocity points hints at the presence of stellar radial velocity variations. Of our sample of 7 stars, 2 show radial velocity signals at 6-sigma and 10-sigma of the cross correlation uncertainties. If the signals are planetary in origin, our findings are consistent with estimates of Neptune mass planets that predict a frequency of 13 – 27 per cent for early M dwarfs.Our current analysis indicates the we can achieve a sensitivity that is equivalent to the amplitude induced by a 6 M_Earth planet orbiting in the habitable zone. Based on simulations, we estimate that <10 M_Earth habitable zone planets will be detected in a new stellar mass regime, with <=20 epochs of observations.

Collisions between Gravity-Dominated Bodies: 2. The Diversity of Impact Outcomes during the End Stage of Planet Formation [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:37:47 +0000

Numerical simulations of the stochastic end stage of planet formation typically begin with a population of embryos and planetesimals that grow into planets by merging. We analyzed the impact parameters of collisions leading to the growth of terrestrial planets from recent $N$-body simulations that assumed perfect merging and calculated more realistic outcomes using a new analytic collision physics model. We find that collision outcomes are diverse and span all possible regimes: hit-and-run, merging, partial accretion, partial erosion, and catastrophic disruption. The primary outcomes of giant impacts between planetary embryos are approximately evenly split between partial accretion, graze-and-merge, and hit-and-run events. To explore the cumulative effects of more realistic collision outcomes, we modeled the growth of individual planets with a Monte Carlo technique using the distribution of impact parameters from $N$-body simulations. We find that fewer planets reached masses $>0.7 M_{\rm Earth}$ using the collision physics model compared to simulations that assumed every collision results in perfect merging. For final planets with masses $>0.7 M_{\rm Earth}$, 60% are enriched in their core-to-mantle mass fraction by >10% compared to the initial embryo composition. Fragmentation during planet formation produces significant debris ($\sim15$% of the final mass) and occurs primarily by erosion of the smaller body in partial accretion and hit-and-run events. In partial accretion events, the target body grows by preferentially accreting the iron core of the projectile and the escaping fragments are derived primarily from the silicate mantles of both bodies. Thus, the bulk composition of a planet can evolve via stochastic giant impacts.

Phase reddening on near-Earth asteroids: Implications for mineralogical analysis, space weathering and taxonomic classification

astro-ph — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:50:01 +0000

Phase reddening is an effect that produces an increase of the spectral slope and variations in the strength of the absorption bands as the phase angle increases. In order to understand its effect on spectroscopic observations of asteroids, we have analyzed the visible and near-infrared spectra (0.45-2.5 \mu m) of 12 near-Earth asteroids observed at different phase angles. All these asteroids are classified as either S-complex or Q-type asteroids. In addition, we have acquired laboratory spectra of three different types of ordinary chondrites at phase angles ranging from 13\degree to 120\degree. We have found that both asteroid and meteorite spectra show an increase in band depths with increasing phase angle. The spectral slope of the ordinary chondrites spectra shows a significant increase with increasing phase angle for g > 30\degree. Variations in band centers and band area ratio (BAR) values were also found, however they seems to have no significant impact on the mineralogical analysis. Our study showed that the increase in spectral slope caused by phase reddening is comparable to certain degree of space weathering. In particular, an increase in phase angle in the range of 30\degree to 120\degree will produce a reddening of the reflectance spectra equivalent to exposure times of ~ 0.1×10^6 to 1.3×10^6 years at about 1 AU from the Sun. Furthermore, we found that under some circumstances phase reddening could lead to an ambiguous taxonomic classification of asteroids.

N-body Simulations of Satellite Formation around Giant Planets: Origin of Orbital Configuration of the Galilean Moons

astro-ph — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:44:38 +0000

As the number of discovered extrasolar planets has been increasing, diversity of planetary systems requires studies of new formation scenarios. It is important to study satellite formation in circumplanetary disks, which is often viewed as analogous to formation of rocky planets in protoplanetary disks. We investigated satellite formation from satellitesimals around giant planets through N-body simulations that include gravitational interactions with a circumplanetary gas disk. Our main aim is to reproduce the observable properties of the Galilean satellites around Jupiter through numerical simulations, as previous N-body simulations have not explained the origin of the resonant configuration. We performed accretion simulations based on the work of Sasaki et al. (2010), in which an inner cavity is added to the model of Canup & Ward (2002, 2006). We found that several satellites are formed and captured in mutual mean motion resonances outside the disk inner edge and are stable after rapid disk gas dissipation, which explains the characteristics of the Galilean satellites. In addition, owing to the existence of the disk edge, a radial compositional gradient of the Galilean satellites can also be reproduced. An additional objective of this study is to discuss orbital properties of formed satellites for a wide range of conditions by considering large uncertainties in model parameters. Through numerical experiments and semianalytical arguments, we determined that if the inner edge of a disk is introduced, a Galilean-like configuration in which several satellites are captured into a 2:1 resonance outside the disk inner cavity is almost universal. In fact, such a configuration is produced even for a massive disk and rapid type I migration. This result implies the inevitability of a Galilean satellite formation in addition to providing theoretical predictions for extrasolar satellites.

Interferometric mapping of the 3.3-mm continuum emission of comet 17P/Holmes after its 2007 outburst

astro-ph — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:38:55 +0000

Comet 17P/Holmes underwent a dramatic outburst in October 2007, caused by the sudden fragmentation of its nucleus and the production of a large quantity of grains scattering sunlight. We report on 90 GHz continuum observations carried out with the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer on 27.1 and 28.2 October 2007 UT, i.e., 4-5 days after the outburst. These observations probed the thermal radiation of large dust particles, and therefore provide the best constraints on the mass in the ejecta debris. The thermal emission of the debris was modelled and coupled to a time-dependent description of their expansion after the outburst. The analysis was performed in the Fourier plane. Visibilities were computed for the two observing dates and compared to the data to measure their velocity and mass. Optical data and 250-GHz continuum measurements published in the literature were used to further constrain the dust kinematics and size distribution. Two distinct dust components in terms of kinematic properties are identified in the data. The large-velocity component, with typical velocities V0 of 50-100 m/s for 1 mm particles, displays a steep size distribution with a size index estimated to q = -3.7 (\pm0.1), assuming a minimum grain size of 0.1 \mum. It corresponds to the fast expanding shell observed in optical images. The slowly-moving “core” component (V0 = 7-9 m/s) detected near the nucleus has a size index |q| < 3.4 and contains a higher proportion of large particles than the shell. The dust mass in the core is in the range 0.1-1 that of the shell. Using optical constants pertaining to porous grains (50% porosity) made of astronomical silicates mixed with water ice (48% in mass), the total dust mass Mdust injected by the outburst is estimated to 4-14 x 10**11 kg, corresponding to 3-9% the nucleus mass.

WASP-31b: a low-density planet transiting a metal-poor, late-F-type dwarf star [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:35:50 +0000

We report the discovery of the low-density, transiting giant planet WASP-31b. The planet is 0.48 Jupiter masses and 1.55 Jupiter radii. It is in a 3.4-day orbit around a metal-poor, late-F-type, V = 11.7 dwarf star, which is a member of a common proper motion pair. In terms of its low density, WASP-31b is second only to WASP-17b, which is a more highly irradiated planet of similar mass.

Debris Disks in Kepler Exoplanet Systems [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:33:50 +0000

The Kepler Mission recently identified 997 systems hosting candidate extrasolar planets, many of which are super-Earths. Realizing these planetary systems are candidates to host extrasolar asteroid belts, we use mid-infrared data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) to search for emission from dust in these systems. We find excesses around eight stars, indicating the presence of warm to hot dust (~100-500 K), corresponding to orbital distances of 0.1-10 AU for these solar-type stars. The strongest detection, KOI 1099, demands ~500 K dust interior to the orbit of its exoplanet candidate. One star, KOI 904, may host very hot dust (~1200 K, corresponding to 0.02 AU). Although the fraction of these exoplanet-bearing stars with detectable warm excesses (~3%) is similar to that found by Spitzer surveys of solar-type field stars, the excesses detectable in the WISE data have much higher fractional luminosities (Ldust/L*) than most known debris disks, implying that the fraction with debris disks of comparable luminosity may actually be significantly higher. It is difficult to explain the presence of dust so close to the host stars, generally corresponding to dust rings at radii <0.3 AU; both the collisional and Poynting-Robertson drag timescales to remove dust from the system are hundreds of years or less at these distances. Assuming a steady-state for these systems implies large mass consumption rates with these short removal timescales, meaning that the dust production mechanism in these systems must almost certainly be episodic in nature.

Scars of Intense Accretion Episodes at Metal-Rich White Dwarfs

astro-ph — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:49:04 +0000

A re-evaluation of time-averaged accretion rates at DBZ-type white dwarfs points to historical, time-averaged rates significantly higher than the currently observed episodes at their DAZ counterparts. The difference between the ongoing, instantaneous accretion rates witnessed at DAZ white dwarfs, which often exceed 1e8 g/s, and those inferred over the past 1e5-1e6 yr for the DBZ stars can be a few orders of magnitude, and therefore must result from high-rate episodes of tens to hundreds of years so they remain undetected to date. This paper explores the likelihood that such brief, intense accretion episodes of gas-phase material can account for existing data. For reasonable assumptions about the circumstellar gas, accretion rates approaching or exceeding 1e15 g/s are possible, similar to rates observed in quiescent cataclysmic variables, and potentially detectable with future x-ray missions or wide-field monitoring facilities. Gaseous debris that is prone to such rapid accretion may be abundant immediately following a tidal disruption event via collisions and sublimation, or if additional bodies impinge upon an extant disk. Particulate disk matter accretes at or near the Poynting-Robertson drag rate for long periods between gas-producing events, consistent with rates inferred for dusty DAZ white dwarfs. In this picture, warm DAZ stars without infrared excesses have rates consistent with accretion from particulate disks that remain undetected. This overall picture has implications for quasi-steady state models of accretion and the derived chemical composition of asteroidal debris in DBZ white dwarfs.

How Thermal Evolution and Mass Loss Sculpt Populations of Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes: Application to the Kepler-11 System and Beyond

astro-ph — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:46:55 +0000

We use models of thermal evolution and XUV-driven mass loss to explore the composition and history of low-mass low-density transiting planets. We investigate the Kepler-11 system in detail and provide estimates of both the current and past planetary compositions. We find that a H/He atmosphere on Kepler-11b is highly vulnerable to mass loss. By comparing to formation models, we show that in situ formation of the system is unlikely. Instead we propose that it is a water-rich system of sub-Neptunes that migrated from beyond the snow line. For the broader population of observed planets, we show that there is a threshold in bulk planet density and incident flux above which no low-mass transiting planets have been observed. We suggest that this threshold is due to the instability of H/He atmospheres to XUV-driven mass loss. Importantly, we find that this flux-density threshold is well reproduced by our thermal evolution/contraction models that incorporate a standard mass loss prescription. Treating the planets’ contraction history is essential because the planets have significantly larger radii during the early era of high XUV fluxes. Over time low mass planets with H/He envelopes can be transformed into water-dominated worlds with steam atmospheres or rocky super-Earths. Finally, we use this threshold to provide likely minimum masses and radial velocity amplitudes for the general population of Kepler candidates. Likewise, we use this threshold to provide constraints on the maximum radii of low-mass planets found by radial velocity surveys.

The chemical diversity of exo-terrestrial planetary debris around white dwarfs

astro-ph — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:38:28 +0000

We present HST ultraviolet spectroscopy of the white dwarfs PG0843+516, PG1015+161, SDSS1228+1040, and GALEX1931+0117, which accrete circumstellar planetary debris formed from the destruction of asteroids. Combined with optical data, a minimum of five and a maximum of eleven different metals are detected in their photospheres. With metal sinking time scales of only a few days, these stars are in accretion/diffusion equilibrium, and the photospheric abundances closely reflect those of the circumstellar material. We find C/Si ratios that are consistent with that of the bulk Earth, corroborating the rocky nature of the debris. Their C/O values are also very similar to those of bulk Earth, implying that the planetary debris is dominated by Mg and Fe silicates. The abundances found for the debris at the four white dwarfs show substantial diversity, comparable at least to that seen across different meteorite classes in the solar system. PG0843+516 exhibits significant over-abundances of Fe and Ni, as well as of S and Cr, which suggests the accretion of material that has undergone melting, and possibly differentiation. PG1015+161 stands out by having the lowest Si abundance relative to all other detected elements. The Al/Ca ratio of the planetary debris around different white dwarfs is remarkably similar. This is analogous to the nearly constant abundance ratio of these two refractory lithophile elements found among most bodies in the solar system. Based on the detection of all major elements of the circumstellar debris, we calculate accretion rates of ~1.7e8g/s ~1.5e9g/s. We detect additional circumstellar absorption in the SiIV 1394,1403 doublet in PG0843+516 and SDSS1228+1040, reminiscent to similar high-ionisation lines seen in white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables. We suspect that these lines originate in hot gas close to the white dwarf, well within the sublimation radius.

Constraining the angular momentum of the Sun with planetary orbital motions and general relativity [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:34:49 +0000

The angular momentum of a star is an important astrophysical quantity related to its internal structure, formation and evolution. On average, helioseismology yields S = 1.92 10^41 kg m^2 s^-1 for the angular momentum of the Sun. We show how it should be possible to measure or, at least, constrain it in a near future by using the gravitomagnetic Lense-Thirring e?ect predicted by general relativity for the orbit of a test particle moving around a central rotating body. We also discuss the present-day situation in view of the latest determinations of the supplementary perihelion precession of Mercury.

Sharp eccentric rings in planetless hydrodynamical models of debris disks

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:59:50 +0000

Debris disks should not be completely gas-free, since there is second generation gas from outgassing of planetesimals and dust grains via sublimation, photodesorption, or collisions, generating a system of dust-to-gas ratio close to unity, where hydrodynamics cannot be ignored. A clumping instability exists in this configuration, that has been hitherto explored only in one-dimensional, incompressible models. We performed 2D numerical compressible models of a disk with comparable amounts of gas and dust to study the growth and development of this instability. Our model solves the momentum equation for the gas and dust, together with energy and continuity equations. We uncover that the backreaction of the drag force from the gas onto the dust shepherds rings, similar to those observed in debris disks and usually attributed to the presence of hypothetical undetected planets. We also uncover that the eccentricity of these rings, usually presented as convincing evidence for the presence of a planet, can actually be simply explained by a standing wave propagating along the ring. The rings support a spectrum of oscillations, with one particular mode representing epicyclic motion. The apparent eccentricity matches the eccentricity in observed systems. This suggests that the planet possibility, though thrilling, is not necessarily required to explain these systems.

An optimal Mars Trojan asteroid search strategy

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:56:17 +0000

Trojan asteroids are minor planets that share the orbit of a planet about the Sun and librate around the L4 or L5 Lagrangian points of stability. Although only three Mars Trojans have been discovered, models suggest that at least ten times this number should exist with diameters >= 1 km. We derive a model that constrains optimal sky search areas and present a strategy for the most efficient use of telescope survey time that maximizes the probability of detecting Mars Trojans. We show that the Gaia space mission could detect any Mars Trojans larger than 1 km in diameter, provided the relative motion perpendicular to Gaia’s CCD array is less than 0.40 arcsec per second.

Nonlinear plasma density modification by the ponderomotive force of ULF pulsations at the dayside magnetosphere

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:45:12 +0000

We investigate analytically and numerically a nonlinear modification of the magnetospheric plasma density under the action of the ponderomotive force induced by ULF traveling waves, using the nonlinear stationary force balance equation. This equation is applied to both the dipole and dayside magnetosphere having one and two minima of the geomagnetic field near the magnetospheric boundary. The separate and joint actions of the ponderomotive, centrifugal, and gravitational forces on the density distribution are shown.

WASP-44b, WASP-45b and WASP-46b: three short-period, transiting extrasolar planets [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:41:42 +0000

We report the discovery of three extrasolar planets that transit their moderately bright (Vmag = 12-13) host stars. WASP-44b is a 0.89-MJup planet in a 2.42-day orbit around a G8V star. WASP-45b is a 1.03-MJup planet which passes in front of the limb of its K2V host star every 3.13 days. Weak Ca II H+K emission seen in the spectra of WASP-45 suggests the star is chromospherically active. WASP-46b is a 2.10-MJup planet in a 1.43-day orbit around a G6V star. Rotational modulation of the light curves of WASP-46 and weak Ca II H+K emission in its spectra show the star to be photospherically and chromospherically active. We imposed circular orbits in our analyses as the radial velocity data are consistent with (near-)circular orbits, as could be expected from both empirical and tidal-theory perspectives for such short-period, Jupiter-mass planets. We discuss the impact of fitting for eccentric orbits for such planets when not supported by the data. The derived planetary and stellar radii depend on the fitted eccentricity and these parameters inform intense theoretical efforts concerning tidal circularisation and heating, bulk planetary composition and the observed systematic errors in planetary and stellar radii. As such, we recommend exercising caution in fitting the orbits of short period, Jupiter-mass planets with an eccentric model when there is no evidence of non-circularity.

Mercury and frame-dragging in light of the MESSENGER flybys: conflict with general relativity, poor knowledge of the physical properties of the Sun, data reduction artifact, or still insufficient observations? [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:40:53 +0000

The Lense-Thirring precession of the longitude of perihelion of Mercury, as predicted by general relativity by using the value of the Sun’s angular momentum S = 190 x 10^39 kg m^2 s^-1 from helioseismology, is -2.0 milliarcseconds per century, computed in a celestial equatorial reference frame. It disagrees at 4-{\sigma} level with the correction 0.4 +/- 0.6 milliarcseconds per century to the standard Newtonian/Einsteinian precession, provided that the latter is to be entirely attributed to frame-dragging. The supplementary precession was recently determined in a global fit with the INPOP10a ephemerides to a long planetary data record (1914-2010) including also 3 data points collected in 2008-2009 from the MESSENGER spacecraft. The INPOP10a models did not include the solar gravitomagnetic field at all, so that its signature might have partly been removed in the data reduction process. On the other hand, the Lense-Thirring precession may have been canceled to a certain extent by the competing precessions caused by small mismodeling in the quadrupole mass moment of the Sun and in the PPN parameter beta entering the Schwarzschild-like 1PN precession, both modeled in INPOP10a. On the contrary, the oblateness of Mercury itself has a negligible impact on its perihelion. The same holds for the mismodelled actions of both the largest individual asteroids and the ring of the minor asteroids. Future analysis of more observations from the currently ongoing MESSENGER mission will shed further light on such an issue which, if confirmed, might potentially challenge our present-day picture of the currently accepted laws of gravitation and/or of the physical properties of the Sun.

Revised analysis of SPIRE observations for 2M1207 [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:37:06 +0000

We have revised our analysis of the SPIRE observations of 2MASSW J1207334-393254 (2M1207). Recent PACS observations show a bright source located ~25″ east of 2M1207. There are issues in terms of the detection/non-detection of the bright source when comparing the Spitzer, WISE, and PACS observations. It is apparently inconsistent, perhaps due to variability or low signal-to-noise of the data. We have looked into the possible misidentification of the target, and have revised the measured SPIRE fluxes and the disc parameters for 2M1207. We have also reviewed which among the various formation mechanisms of this system would still be valid.

First Light LBT AO Images of HR 8799 bcde at 1.65 and 3.3 Microns: New Discrepancies between Young Planets and Old Brown Dwarfs [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:34:34 +0000

As the only directly imaged multiple planet system, HR 8799 provides a unique opportunity to study the physical properties of several planets in parallel. In this paper, we image all four of the HR 8799 planets at H-band and 3.3 microns with the new LBT adaptive optics system, PISCES, and LBTI/LMIRCam. Our images offer an unprecedented view of the system, allowing us to obtain H and 3.3$ micron photometry of the innermost planet (for the first time) and put strong upper-limits on the presence of a hypothetical fifth companion. We find that all four planets are unexpectedly bright at 3.3 microns compared to the equilibrium chemistry models used for field brown dwarfs, which predict that planets should be faint at 3.3 microns due to CH4 opacity. We attempt to model the planets with thick-cloudy, non-equilibrium chemistry atmospheres, but find that removing CH4 to fit the 3.3 micron photometry increases the predicted L’ (3.8 microns) flux enough that it is inconsistent with observations. In an effort to fit the SED of the HR 8799 planets, we construct mixtures of cloudy atmospheres, which are intended to represent planets covered by clouds of varying opacity. In this scenario, regions with low opacity look hot and bright, while regions with high opacity look faint, similar to the patchy cloud structures on Jupiter and L/T transition brown-dwarfs. Our mixed cloud models reproduce all of the available data, but self-consistent models are still necessary to demonstrate their viability.

The search for habitable worlds: 1. The viability of a starshade mission

astro-ph — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:54:11 +0000

As part of NASA’s mission to explore habitable planets orbiting nearby stars, this paper explores the detection and characterization capabilities of a 4-m space telescope plus 50-m starshade located at the Earth-Sun L2 point, a.k.a. the New Worlds Observer (NWO). Our calculations include the true spectral types and distribution of stars on the sky, an iterative target selection protocol designed to maximize efficiency based on prior detections, and realistic mission constraints. We carry out both analytical calculations and simulated observing runs for a wide range in exozodiacal background levels ({\epsilon} = 1 – 100 times the local zodi brightness) and overall prevalence of Earth-like terrestrial planets ({\eta}\oplus = 0.1 – 1). We find that even without any return visits, the NWO baseline architecture (IWA = 65 mas, limiting FPB = 4\times10-11) can achieve a 95% probability of detecting and spectrally characterizing at least one habitable Earth-like planet, and an expectation value of ~3 planets found, within the mission lifetime and {\Delta}V budgets, even in the worst-case scenario ({\eta}\oplus = 0.1 and {\epsilon} = 100 zodis for every target). This achievement requires about one year of integration time spread over the 5 year mission, leaving the remainder of the telescope time for UV-NIR General Astrophysics. Cost and technical feasibility considerations point to a “sweet spot” in starshade design near a 50-m starshade effective diameter, with 12 or 16 petals, at a distance of 70,000-100,000 km from the telescope.

John Goodricke, Edward Pigott, and Their Study of Variable Stars [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:45:35 +0000

John Goodricke and Edward Pigott, working in York, England, between 1781 and 1786, determined the periods of variation of eclipsing binaries such as Algol and Beta Lyrae and speculated that the eclipses of Algol might be caused by a “dark body,” perhaps even a planet. They also determined the periods of variation of the first two known Cepheid variables, the stars whose period-luminosity relation today enables astronomers to determine distances to distant galaxies. Goodricke holds special interest because he was completely deaf and because he died at the age of 21. The lives and work of these two astronomers are described.

ROPS: A New Search for Habitable Earths in the Southern Sky

astro-ph — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:42:06 +0000

Justification of the two-bulge method in the theory of bodily tides

astro-ph — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:41:55 +0000

On various occasions, several authors suggested to model bodily tides with superposition of two symmetrical bulges. One bulge is always aimed at the secondary, and thus implements the instantaneous reaction of the primary’s shape and potential to the tide-rising gravitational pull exerted on it by the secondary. This portion of the tide is called “adiabatic tide” (Zahn 1966a,b) or “elastic tide” (Ferraz Mello 2012; Krasinsky 2006). The second bulge is assumed to align orthogonally to the direction to the tide-raising secondary. So this bulge is set to implement the entire nonelastic portion of the primary’s deformation. This, second bulge is called “dissipative tide” (Zahn 1966a,b; Krasinsky 2006) or “creep tide” (Ferraz Mello 2012). We demonstrate that the two-bulge method is not a separate approximation, but ensues directly from the Fourier expansion of a linear tidal theory equipped with an arbitrary rheological model involving a departure from elasticity. While less economical mathematically, the two-bulge approach has a good illustrative power, and may be employed (like, e.g., in Remus et al. 2012a,b) on a par with a more concise method of complex amplitudes.

Constraining multiple systems with GAIA

astro-ph — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:41:15 +0000

GAIA will provide observations of some multiple asteroid and dwarf systems. These observations are a way to determine and improve the quantification of dynamical parameters, such as the masses and the gravity fields, in these multiple systems. Here we investigate this problem in the cases of Pluto’s and Eugenia’s system. We simulate observations reproducing an approximate planning of the GAIA observations for both systems, as well as the New Horizons observations of Pluto. We have developed a numerical model reproducing the specific behavior of multiple asteroid system around the Sun and fit it to the simulated observations using least-square method, giving the uncertainties on the fitted parameters. We found that GAIA will improve significantly the precision of Pluto’s and Charon’s mass, as well as Petit Prince’s orbital elements and Eugenia’s polar oblateness.

Detection of Semi-Major Axis Drifts in 54 Near-Earth Asteroids: New Measurements of the Yarkovsky Effect

astro-ph — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:40:19 +0000

We have identified and quantified semi-major axis drifts in Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) by performing orbital fits to optical and radar astrometry of all numbered NEAs. We focus on a subset of 54 NEAs that exhibit some of the most reliable and strongest drift rates. Our selection criteria include a Yarkovsky sensitivity metric that quantifies the detectability of semi-major axis drift in any given data set, a signal-to-noise metric, and orbital coverage requirements. In 42 cases, the observed drifts (~10^-3 AU/Myr) agree well with numerical estimates of Yarkovsky drifts. This agreement suggests that the Yarkovsky effect is the dominant non-gravitational process affecting these orbits, and allows us to derive constraints on asteroid physical properties. In 12 cases, the drifts exceed nominal Yarkovsky predictions, which could be due to inaccuracies in our knowledge of physical properties, faulty astrometry, or modeling errors. If these high rates cannot be ruled out by further observations or improvements in modeling, they would be indicative of the presence of an additional non-gravitational force, such as that resulting from a loss of mass of order a kilogram per second. We define the Yarkovsky efficiency f_Y as the ratio of the change in orbital energy to incident solar radiation energy, and we find that typical Yarkovsky efficiencies are ~10^-5.

Discovery of Crystallized Water Ice in a Silhouette Disk in the M43 Region

astro-ph — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:55:05 +0000

We present the 1.9–4.2um spectra of the five bright (L<11.2) young stars associated with silhouette disks with moderate to high inclination angle of 39–80deg in the M42 and M43 regions. The water ice absorption is seen toward d121-1925 and d216-0939, while the spectra of d182-316, d183-405, and d218-354 show no water ice feature around 3.1um within the detection limits. By comparing the water ice features toward nearby stars, we find that the water ice absorption toward d121-1925 and d216-0939 most likely originates from the foreground material and the surrounding disk, respectively. The angle of the disk inclination is found to be mainly responsible for the difference of the optical depth of the water ice among the five young stars. Our results suggest that there is a critical inclination angle between 65deg and 75deg for the circumstellar disk where the water ice absorption becomes strong. The average density at the disk surface of d216-0939 was found to be 6.38×10^(-18) g cm^(-3). The water ice absorption band in the d216-0939 disk is remarkable in that the maximum optical depth of the water ice band is at a longer wavelength than detected before. It indicates that the primary carrier of the feature is purely crystallized water ice at the surface of the d216-0939 disk with characteristic size of ~0.8um, which suggests grain growth. This is the first direct detection of purely crystallized water ice in a silhouette disk.

Rossby wave instability at dead zone boundaries in 3D resistive magnetohydrodynamical global models of protoplanetary disks

astro-ph — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:42:26 +0000

It has been suggested that the transition between magnetorotationally active and dead zones in protoplanetary disks should be prone to the excitation of vortices via Rossby wave instability (RWI). However, the only numerical evidence for this has come from alpha disk models, where the magnetic field evolution is not followed, and the effect of turbulence is parametrized by Laplacian viscosity. We aim to establish the phenomenology of the flow in the transition in 3D resistive-magnetohydrodynamical models. We model the transition by a sharp jump in resistivity, as expected in the inner dead zone boundary, using the Pencil Code to simulate the flow. We find that vortices are readily excited in the dead side of the transition. We measure the mass accretion rate finding similar levels of Reynolds stress at the dead and active zones, at the $\alpha\approx 10^{-2}$ level. The vortex sits in a pressure maximum and does not migrate, surviving until the end of the simulation. A pressure maximum in the active zone also triggers the RWI. The magnetized vortex that results should be disrupted by parasitical magneto-elliptic instabilities, yet it subsists in high resolution. This suggests that either the parasitic modes are still numerically damped, or that the RWI supplies vorticity faster than they can destroy it. We conclude that the resistive transition between the active and dead zones in the inner regions of protoplanetary disks, if sharp enough, can indeed excite vortices via RWI. Our results lend credence to previous works that relied on the alpha-disk approximation, and caution against the use of overly reduced azimuthal coverage on modeling this transition.

Submillimeter Array Observations of the RX J1633.9-2442 Transition Disk: Evidence for Multiple Planets in the Making

astro-ph — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:41:29 +0000

We present continuum high resolution Submillimeter Array (SMA) observations of the transition disk object RX J1633.9-2442, which is located in the Ophiuchus molecular cloud and has recently been identified as a likely site of ongoing giant planet formation. The observations were taken at 340 GHz (880 micron) with the SMA in its most extended configuration, resulting in an angular resolution of 0.3″ (35 AU at the distance of the target). We find that the disk is highly inclined (i ~50 deg) and has an inner cavity ~25 AU in radius, which is clearly resolved by our observations. We simultaneously model the entire optical to millimeter wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) and SMA visibilities of RX J1633.9-2442 in order to constrain the structure of its disk. We find that an empty cavity ~25 AU in radius is inconsistent with the excess emission observed at 12, 22, and 24 micron. Instead, the mid-IR excess can be modeled by either a narrow, optically thick ring at ~10 AU or an optically thin region extending from ~7 AU to ~25 AU. The inner disk (r < 5 AU) is mostly depleted of small dust grains as attested by the lack of detectable near-IR excess. We also present deep Keck aperture masking observations in the near-IR, which rule out the presence of a companion up to 500 times fainter than the primary star (in K-band) for projected separations in the 5-20 AU range. We argue that the complex structure of the RX J1633.9-2442 disk is best explained by multiple planets embedded within the disk. We also suggest that the properties and incidence of objects such as RX J1633.9-2442, T Cha, and LkCa 15 (and those of the companions recently identified to these two latter objects) are most consistent with the runaway gas accretion phase of the core accretion model, when giant planets gain their envelopes and suddenly become massive enough to open wide gaps in the disk.

SSOS: A Moving Object Image Search Tool for Asteroid Precovery [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:32:20 +0000

It is very difficult to find archival images of solar system objects. While regular archive searches can find images at a fixed location, they cannot find images of moving targets. Archival images have become increasingly useful to galactic and stellar astronomers the last few years but, until now, solar system researchers have been at a disadvantage in this respect. The Solar System Object Search (SSOS) at the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre allows users to search for images of moving objects. SSOS accepts as input either a list of observations, an object designation, a set of orbital elements, or a user-generated ephemeris for an object. It then searches for images containing that object over a range of dates. The user is then presented with a list of images containing that object from a variety of archives. Initially created to search the CFHT MegaCam archive, SSOS has been extended to other telescope archives including Gemini, Subaru/SuprimeCam, HST, several ESO instruments and the SDSS for a total of 6.5 million images. The SSOS tool is located on the web at: http://www.cadc.hia.nrc.gc.ca/ssos

A New Type of Ambiguity in the Planet and Binary Interpretations of Central Perturbations of High-Magnification Gravitational Microlensing Events [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:32:05 +0000

High-magnification microlensing events provide an important channel to detect planets. Perturbations near the peak of a high-magnification event can be produced either by a planet or a binary companion. It is known that central perturbations induced by both types of companions can be generally distinguished due to the basically different magnification pattern around caustics. In this paper, we present a case of central perturbations for which it is difficult to distinguish the planetary and binary interpretations. The peak of a lensing light curve affected by this perturbation appears to be blunt and flat. For a planetary case, this perturbation occurs when the source trajectory passes the negative perturbation region behind the back end of an arrowhead-shaped central caustic. For a binary case, a similar perturbation occurs for a source trajectory passing through the negative perturbation region between two cusps of an astroid-shaped caustic. We demonstrate the degeneracy for 2 high-magnification events of OGLE-2011-BLG-0526 and OGLE-2011-BLG-0950/MOA-2011-BLG-336. For OGLE-2011-BLG-0526, the $\chi^2$ difference between the planetary and binary model is $\sim$ 3, implying that the degeneracy is very severe. For OGLE-2011-BLG-0950/MOA-2011-BLG-336, the stellar binary model is formally excluded with $\Delta \chi^2 \sim$ 105 and the planetary model is preferred. However, it is difficult to claim a planet discovery because systematic residuals of data from the planetary model are larger than the difference between the planetary and binary models. Considering that 2 events observed during a single season suffer from such a degeneracy, it is expected that central perturbations experiencing this type of degeneracy is common.

Interactions Between Moderate- and Long-Period Giant Planets: Scattering Experiments for Systems in Isolation and with Stellar Flybys

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:55:43 +0000

The chance that a planetary system will interact with another member of its host star’s nascent cluster would be greatly increased if gas giant planets form in situ on wide orbits. In this paper, we explore the outcomes of planet-planet scattering for a distribution of multiplanet systems that all have one of the planets on an initial orbit of 100 AU. The scattering experiments are run with and without stellar flybys. We convolve the outcomes with distributions for protoplanetary disk and stellar cluster sizes to generalize the results where possible. We find that the frequencies of large mutual inclinations and high eccentricities are sensitive to the number of planets in a system, but not strongly to stellar flybys. However, flybys do play a role in changing the low and moderate portions of the mutual inclination distributions, and erase dynamically cold initial conditions on average. Wide-orbit planets can be mixed throughout the planetary system, and in some cases, can potentially become hot Jupiters, which we demonstrate using scattering experiments that include a tidal damping model. If planets form on wide orbits in situ, then there will be discernible differences in the proper motion distributions of a sample of wide-orbit planets compared with a pure scattering formation mechanism. Stellar flybys can enhance the frequency of ejections in planetary systems, but auto-ionization is likely to remain the dominant source of free-floating planets.

Post-Newtonian effects of planetary gravity on the perihelion shift

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:48:40 +0000

We consider a coplanar system comprised of a massive central body (a star), a less massive secondary (a planet) on a circular orbit, and a test particle on a bound orbit exterior to that of the secondary. The gravitational pull exerted on the test particle by the secondary acts as a small perturbation, wherefore the trajectory of the particle can be described as an ellipse of a precessing perihelion. While the apsidal motion is defined overwhelmingly by the Newtonian portion of the secondary’s gravity, the post-Newtonian portion, too, brings its tiny input. We explore whether this input may be of any astrophysical relevance in the next few decades. We demonstrate that the overall post-Newtonian input of the secondary’s gravity can be split into two parts. One can be expressed via the orbital angular momentum of the secondary, another via its orbital radius. Despite some moderately large numerical factors showing up in the expressions for these two parts, the resulting post-Newtonian contributions from the secondary’s gravity into the apsidal motion of the test particle turn out to be small enough to be neglected in the near-future measurements.

In-situ Accretion of Hydrogen-Rich Atmospheres on Short-Period Super-Earths: Implications for the Kepler-11 Planets

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:48:24 +0000

Motivated by recent discoveries of low-density super-Earths with short orbital periods, we have investigated in-situ accretion of H-He atmospheres on rocky bodies embedded in dissipating warm disks, by simulating quasi-static evolution of atmospheres that connect to the ambient disk. We have found that the atmospheric evolution has two distinctly different outcomes, depending on the rocky body’s mass: While the atmospheres on massive rocky bodies undergo runaway disk-gas accretion, those on light rocky bodies undergo significant erosion during disk dispersal. In the atmospheric erosion, the heat content of the rocky body that was previously neglected plays an important role. We have also realized that the atmospheric mass is rather sensitive to disk temperature in the mass range of interest in this study. Our theory is applied to recently-detected super-Earths orbiting Kepler-11 to examine the possibility that the planets are rock-dominated ones with relatively thick H-He atmospheres. The application suggests that the in-situ formation of the relatively thick H-He atmospheres inferred by structure modeling is possible only under restricted conditions; namely, relatively slow disk dissipation and/or cool environments. This study demonstrates that low-density super-Earths provide important clues to understanding of planetary accretion and disk evolution.

Mid-IR imaging of the transitional disk of HD169142: Measuring the size of the gap

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:45:56 +0000

The disk around the Herbig Ae star HD\,169142 was imaged and resolved at 18.8 and 24.5\,$\mu$m using Subaru/COMICS. We interpret the observations using a 2D radiative transfer model and find evidence for the presence of a large gap. The MIR images trace dust that emits at the onset of the strong rise in the spectral energy distribution (SED) at 20\,$\mu$m, therefore are very sensitive to the location and characteristics of the inner wall of the outer disk and its dust. We determine the location of the wall to be 23$^{+3}_{-5}$\,AU from the star. An extra component of hot dust must exist close to the star. We find that a hydrostatic optically thick inner disk does not produce enough flux in the NIR and an optically thin geometrically thick component is our solution to fit the SED. Considering the recent findings of gaps and holes in a number of Herbig Ae/Be group I disks, we suggest that such disk structures may be common in group I sources. Classification as group I should be considered a support for classification as a transitional disk, though improved imaging surveys are needed to support this speculation.

Possible Origin of the Damocloids:the Scattered Disk or a New Region?

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:43:39 +0000

The Damocloids are a group of unusual asteroids, recently enrolling a new member of 2010 EJ104. The dynamical evolution for the Damocloids may uncover a connection passage from the Main Belt, the Kuiper Belt and the scattered disk beyond. According to our simulations, two regions may be considered as possible origin of the Damocloids: the scattered disk, or a part of Oort cloud which will be perturbed to a transient region locating between 700 AU and 1000 AU. Based on the potential origin, the Damocloids can be classified into two types, with relation to their semi-major axes, and about 65.5% Damocloids is classified into type I which mainly originate from Oort cloud. Whether the Damocloids is inactive nuclei of Halley Family Comets may rely on their origin.

The Transits of Extrasolar Planets with Moons [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:41:23 +0000

The search for extrasolar planets is strongly motivated by the goal of characterizing how frequent habitable worlds and life may be within the Galaxy. Whilst much effort has been spent on searching for Earth-like planets, large moons may also be common, temperate abodes for life as well. The methods to detect extrasolar moons, or “exomoons” are more subtle than their planetary counterparts and in this thesis I aim to provide a method to find such bodies in transiting systems, which offer the greatest potential for detection. Before one can search for the tiny perturbations to the planetary signal, an understanding of the planetary transit must be established. Therefore, in Chapters 3 to 5 I discuss the transit model and provide several new insights. Chapter 4 presents new analytic expressions for the times of transit minima and the transit duration, which will be critical in the later search for exomoons. Chapter 5 discusses two sources of distortion to the transit signal, namely blending (with a focus on the previously unconsidered self-blending scenario) and light curve smearing due to long integration times. I provide methods to compensate for both of these effects, thus permitting for the accurate modelling of the planetary transit light curve. In Chapter 6, I discuss methods to detect exomoons through their gravitational influence on the host planet, giving rise to transit timing and duration variations (TTV and TDV). The previously known TTV effect is updated with a new model and the associated critical problems are outlined. I then predict a new effect, TDV, which solves these problems, making exomoon detection viable. Chapter 7 presents a feasibility study for detecting habitable-zone exomoons with Kepler, where it is found that moons down to 0.2 Earth masses are detectable. Finally, conclusions and future work are discussed in Chapter 8.

LUNA: An algorithm for generating dynamic planet-moon transits [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:41:08 +0000

It has been previously shown that moons of extrasolar planets may be detectable with the Kepler Mission, for moon masses above ~0.2 Earth masses Kipping et al. 2009c. Transit timing effects have been formerly identified as a potent tool to this end, exploiting the dynamics of the system. In this work, we explore the simulation of transit light curves of a planet plus a single moon including not only the transit timing effects but also the light curve signal of the moon itself. We introduce our new algorithm, LUNA, which produces transit light curves for both bodies, analytically accounting for shadow overlaps, stellar limb darkening and planet-moon dynamical motion. By building the dynamics into the core of LUNA, the routine automatically accounts for transit timing/duration variations and ingress/egress asymmetries for not only the planet, but also the moon. We then generate some artificial data for two feasibly detectable hypothetical systems of interest: a i) prograde and ii) retrograde Earth-like moon around a habitable-zone Neptune for a M-dwarf system. We fit the hypothetical systems using LUNA and demonstrate the feasibility of detecting these cases with Kepler photometry.

Spitzer/MIPS 24 micron Observations of HD 209458b: 3 eclipses, 2.5 transits, and a Phase Curve Corrupted by Instrumental Sensitivity Variations [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:37:56 +0000

We report the results of an analysis of all Spitzer/MIPS 24 micron observations of HD 209458b, one of the touchstone objects in the study of irradiated giant planet atmospheres. Altogether we analyze 2.5 transits, 3 eclipses, and a 58-hour near-continuous observation designed to detect the planet’s thermal phase curve. The results of our analysis are: (1) A mean transit depth of 1.484% +/- 0.035%, consistent with previous measurements and showing no evidence of variability in transit depth at the 3% level. (2) A mean eclipse depth of 0.332% +/- 0.026%, somewhat higher than that previously reported for this system; this new value brings observations into better agreement with models. The dayside flux shows no evidence of variability at the 12% level. (3) Eclipses in the system occur 32 s +/- 129 s earlier than would be expected from a circular orbit, which constrains the orbital quantity (e cos omega) to be 0.00004 +/- 0.00033. This result is fully consistent with a circular orbit and sets an upper limit of 140 m/s (3 sigma) on any eccentricity-induced velocity offset during transit. The phase curve observations (including one of the transits) exhibit an anomalous trend similar to the detector ramp seen in previous Spitzer/IRAC observations; by modeling this ramp we recover the system parameters. The photometry which follows the ramp and transit exhibits a gradual, ~0.2% decrease in flux, similar to that seen in pre-launch calibration data. The large uncertainties associated with this poorly-understood, likely instrumental effect prevent us from usefully constraining the planet’s thermal phase curve. Our observations highlight the need for a thorough understanding of detector-related instrumental effects on long time scales when making the high-precision mid-infrared measurements planned for future missions such as EChO, SPICA, and JWST. [abridged]

Rossby wave instability in locally isothermal and polytropic disks: three-dimensional linear calculations [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:35:35 +0000

A NEw Type of Ambiguity in the Planet and Binary Interpretations of Central Perturbations of High-Magnification Gravitational Microlensing Events

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:47:12 +0000

Extrasolar planets in stellar multiple systems

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:46:11 +0000

Analyzing exoplanets detected by radial velocity or transit observations, we determine the multiplicity of exoplanet host stars in order to study the influence of a stellar companion on the properties of planet candidates. Matching the host stars of exoplanet candidates detected by radial velocity or transit observations with online multiplicity catalogs in addition to a literature search, 57 exoplanet host stars are identified having a stellar companion. The resulting multiplicity rate of at least 12 percent for exoplanet host stars is about four times smaller than the multiplicity of solar like stars in general. The mass and the number of planets in stellar multiple systems depend on the separation between their host star and its nearest stellar companion, e.g. the planetary mass decreases with an increasing stellar separation. We present an updated overview of exoplanet candidates in stellar multiple systems, including 15 new systems (compared to the latest summary from 2009).

Rapid Coagulation of Porous Dust Aggregates Outside the Snow Line: A Pathway to Successful Icy Planetesimal Formation

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:38:49 +0000

Herschel images of Fomalhaut. An extrasolar Kuiper Belt at the height of its dynamical activity

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:38:38 +0000

Fomalhaut is a young, nearby star that is suspected to harbor an infant planetary system, interspersed with one or more belts of dusty debris. We present far-infrared images obtained with the Herschel Space Observatory with an angular resolution between 5.7 and 36.7 arcsec at wavelengths between 70 and 500 micrometer. The images show the main debris belt in great detail. Even at high spatial resolution, the belt appears smooth. The region in between the belt and the central star is not devoid of material; thermal emission is observed here as well. Also at the location of the star, excess emission is detected. We use a dynamical model together with radiative-transfer tools to derive the parameters of the debris disk. We include detailed models of the interaction of the dust grains with radiation, for both the radiation pressure and the temperature determination. Comparing these models to the spatially resolved temperature information contained in the images allows us to place strong constraints on the presence of grains that will be blown out of the system by radiation pressure. We use this to derive the dynamical parameters of the system. The appearance of the belt points towards a remarkably active system in which dust grains are produced at a very high rate by a collisional cascade in a narrow region filled with dynamically excited planetesimals. Dust particles with sizes below the blow-out size are abundantly present. The equivalent of 2000 one-km-sized comets are destroyed every day, out of a cometary reservoir amounting to 110 Earth masses. From comparison of their scattering and thermal properties, we find evidence that the dust grains are fluffy aggregates, which indicates a cometary origin. The excess emission at the location of the star may be produced by hot dust with a range of temperatures, but may also be due to gaseous free-free emission from a stellar wind.

Seven transiting hot-Jupiters from WASP-South, Euler and TRAPPIST: WASP-47b, WASP-55b, WASP-61b, WASP-62b, WASP-63b, WASP-66b & WASP-67b

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:37:04 +0000

We present seven new transiting hot Jupiters from the WASP-South survey. The planets are all typical hot Jupiters orbiting stars from F4 to K0 with magnitudes of V = 10.3 to 12.5. The orbital periods are all in the range 3.9–4.6 d, the planetary masses range from 0.4–2.3 Mjup and the radii from 1.1–1.4 Mjup. In line with known hot Jupiters, the planetary densities range from Jupiter-like to inflated (rho = 0.13–1.07 rho_jup). We use the increasing numbers of known hot Jupiters to investigate the distribution of their orbital periods and the 3–4-d “pile-up”.

The Last Stages of Terrestrial Planet Formation: Dynamical Friction and the Late Veneer [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:32:44 +0000

The final stage of terrestrial planet formation consists of the cleanup of residual planetesimals after the giant impact phase. Dynamically, a residual planetesimal population is needed to damp the high eccentricities of the terrestrial planets after the giant impact stage. Geochemically, highly siderophile element (HSE) abundance patterns inferred for the terrestrial planets and the Moon suggest that a total of about 0.01 M_Earth of chondritic material was delivered as `late veneer’ by planetesimals to the terrestrial planets after the end of giant impacts. Here we combine these two independent lines of evidence for a leftover population of planetesimals and show that: 1) A residual planetesimal population containing 0.01 M_Earth is able to damp the eccentricities of the terrestrial planets after giant impacts to their observed values. 2) At the same time, this planetesimal population can account for the observed relative amounts of late veneer added to the Earth, Moon and Mars provided that the majority of the late veneer was delivered by small planetesimals with radii <10m. These small planetesimal sizes are required to ensure efficient damping of the planetesimal's velocity dispersion by mutual collisions, which in turn ensures that the planets' accretion cross sections are significantly enhanced by gravitational focusing above their geometric values. Specifically we find, in the limit that the relative velocity between the terrestrial planets and the planetesimals is significantly less than the terrestrial planets' escape velocities, that gravitational focusing yields an accretion ratio Earth/Mars~17, which agrees well with the accretion ratio inferred from HSEs of 12-23. For the Earth-Moon system, we find an accretion ratio of ~200, which is consistent with estimates of 150-700 derived from HSE abundances that include the lunar crust as well as mantle component. (Abridged)

The study of ground-level ozone in Kiev and its impact on public health [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:32:03 +0000

Ground-level ozone in Kiev for an episode of its high concentration in August 2000 was simulated with the model of the urban air pollution UAM-V (Urban Airshed Model). The study of total ozone over Kiev and its concentration changes with height in the troposphere is made on the basis of ground-based observations with the infrared Fourier spectrometer at the Main Astronomical Observatory of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine as a part of the ESA-NIVR-KNMI no 2907. In 2008 the satellite Aura-OMI data OMO3PR on the atmosphere ozone profiles became available. Beginning in 2005, these data include the ozone concentration in the lower layer of the atmosphere and can be used for the evaluation of the ground-level ozone concentrations in all cities of Ukraine. Some statistical investigation of ozone air pollution in Kiev and medical statistics data on respiratory system was carried out with the application of the “Statistica” package. The regression analysis, prognostic regression simulation, and retrospective prognosis of the epidemiological situation with respect to respiratory system pathologies in Kiev during 2000-2007 were performed.

The faint young Sun problem

astro-ph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:48:20 +0000

For more than four decades, scientists have been trying to find an answer to one of the most fundamental questions in paleoclimatology, the `faint young Sun problem’. For the early Earth, models of stellar evolution predict a solar energy input to the climate system which is about 25% lower than today. This would result in a completely frozen world over the first two billion years in the history of our planet, if all other parameters controlling Earth’s climate had been the same. Yet there is ample evidence for the presence of liquid surface water and even life in the Archean (3.8 to 2.5 billion years before present), so some effect (or effects) must have been compensating for the faint young Sun. A wide range of possible solutions have been suggested and explored during the last four decades, with most studies focusing on higher concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane or ammonia. All of these solutions present considerable difficulties, however, so the faint young Sun problem cannot be regarded as solved. Here I review research on the subject, including the latest suggestions for solutions of the faint young Sun problem and recent geochemical constraints on the composition of Earth’s early atmosphere. Furthermore, I will outline the most promising directions for future research. In particular I would argue that both improved geochemical constraints on the state of the Archean climate system and numerical experiments with state-of-the-art climate models are required to finally assess what kept the oceans on the Archean Earth from freezing over completely.

An investigation of a GJ 1214b-like exoplanet with a water vapor atmosphere using a simple general circulation model

astro-ph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:47:16 +0000

We present results from a simple general circulation model (GCM) of a GJ 1214b-like super-Earth exoplanet. The dynamical core of our model is a scaled-up version of a shallow atmosphere, terrestrial planet GCM that has previously been used for Mars and therefore employs different boundary conditions and physical processes than downsized gas giant models. We assume the planet is tidally locked and has the observed characteristics of GJ-1214b [Charbonneau et al. 2009] for surface mass, surface radius, orbital period, and surface gravitational acceleration. We assume the atmosphere is composed entirely of water vapor. We assume the planet has a surface (i.e., a density discontinuity at depth), which will provide a mechanical drag and affect the radiative balance at the bottom boundary. We assume a gray atmosphere in the IR. We find that a westerly jet is present aloft at the equator and that the longitude of maximum temperature is shifted eastward of the substellar point. A wavenumber-1 feature is present in the equatorial vertical velocity field, indicative of a standing Kelvin and/or Rossby wave. As such, the circulation does not exhibit a cellular structure as on terrestrial Solar System planets; rather, air parcels move up and down on closed horizontal circuits and always return to the same location. The flow at the midlatitudes and poles has both an easterly component and a component that flows poleward along the evening terminator and equatorward along the morning terminator. Temperature inversions exist in the boundary layer and aloft, which are a result of variations in horizontal heat transport. The flow within the boundary layer is more convergent than in the atmosphere aloft. The surface pressure is higher at the poles than the equator. (abridged)

Stability of prograde and retrograde planets in circular binary systems

astro-ph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:33:46 +0000

We investigate the stability of prograde versus retrograde planets in circular binary systems using numerical simulations. We show that retrograde planets are stable up to distances closer to the perturber than prograde planets. We develop an analytical model to compute the prograde and retrograde mean motion resonances’ locations and separatrices. We show that instability is due to single resonance forcing, or caused by nearby resonances’ overlap. We validate our results regarding the role of single resonances and resonances’ overlap on orbit stability, by computing surfaces of section of the CR3BP. We conclude that the observed enhanced stability of retrograde planets with respect to prograde planets is due to essential differences between the phase-space topology of retrograde versus prograde resonances (at p/q mean motion ratio, prograde resonance is of order p – q while retrograde resonance is of order p + q).

Orbital perturbations due to massive rings [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:33:07 +0000

We analytically work out the long-term orbital perturbations induced by a homogeneous circular ring of radius Rr and mass mr on the motion of a test particle in the cases (I): r > R_r and (II): r < R_r. In order to extend the validity of our analysis to the orbital con?gurations of, e.g., some proposed spacecraftbased mission for fundamental physics like LISA and ASTROD, of possible annuli around the supermassive black hole in Sgr A* coming from tidal disruptions of incoming gas clouds, and to the e?ect of arti?cial space debris belts around the Earth, we do not restrict ourselves to the case in which the ring and the orbit of the perturbed particle lie just in the same plane. From the corrections to the standard secular perihelion precessions, recently determined by a team of astronomers for some planets of the Solar System, we infer upper bounds on mr for various putative and known annular matter distributions of natural origin (close circumsolar ring with R_r = 0.02-0.13 au, dust ring with R_r = 1 au, minor asteroids, Trans-Neptunian Objects). We find m_r <= 1.4 10^-4 m_E (circumsolar ring with R_r = 0.02 au), m_r <= 2.6 10^-6 m_E (circumsolar ring with R_r = 0.13 au), m_r <= 8.8 10^-7 m_E (ring with R_r = 1 au), m_r <= 7.3 10^-12 M_S (asteroidal ring with R_r = 2.80 au), m_r <= 1.1 <= 10^-11 M_S (asteroidal ring with R_r = 3.14 au), m_r <= 2.0 10^-8 M_S (TNOs ring with R_r = 43 au). In principle, our analysis is valid both for baryonic and non-baryonic Dark Matter distributions.

SSOS: A Moving Object Image Search Tool for Asteroid Precovery

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:00:16 +0000

It is very difficult to find archival images of solar system objects. While regular archive searches can find images at a fixed location, they cannot find images of moving targets. Archival images have become increasingly useful to galactic and stellar astronomers the last few years but, until now, solar system researchers have been at a disadvantage in this respect. The Solar System Object Search (SSOS) at the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre allows users to search for images of moving objects. SSOS accepts as input either a list of observations, an object designation, a set of orbital elements, or a user-generated ephemeris for an object. It then searches for images containing that object over a range of dates. The user is then presented with a list of images containing that object from a variety of archives. Initially created to search the CFHT MegaCam archive, SSOS has been extended to other telescope archives including Gemini, Subaru/SuprimeCam, HST, and several ESO instruments for a total of 1.6 million images. The SSOS tool is located on the web at: http://www.cadc.hia.nrc.gc.ca/ssos

Candidate stellar occultations by large trans-neptunian objects up to 2015

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:54:18 +0000

We study large trans-neptunian objects (TNOs) using stellar occultations. We derive precise astrometric predictions for stellar occultations by Eris, Haumea, Ixion, Makemake, Orcus, Quaoar, Sedna, Varuna, 2002 TX300, and 2003 AZ84 for 2011-2015. We construct local astrometric catalogs of stars in the UCAC2 (Second US Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalog) frame covering the sky path of these objects. For that purpose, during 2007-2009, we carried out an observational program at the ESO2p2/WFI (2.2 m Max-Planck ESO telescope with the Wide Field Imager) instrument. Astrometric catalogs with proper motions were produced for each TNO, containing more than 5.35 million stars covering the sky paths with 30′ width in declination. The magnitude completeness is about R = 19 with a limit of about R = 21. We predicted 2717 stellar occultation candidates for all targets. Ephemeris offsets with about from 50 mas to 100 mas precision were applied to each TNO orbit to improve the predictions. They were obtained during 2007-2010 from a parallel observational campaign carried out with from 0.6 m to 2.2 m in size telescopes. This extends our previous work for the Pluto system to large TNOs, using the same observational and astrometric procedures. The obtained astrometric catalogs are useful for follow-up programs at small to large telescopes used to improve the candidate star positions and TNO ephemeris. They also furnish valuable photometric information for the field stars. For each TNO, updates on the ephemeris offsets and candidate star positions (geometric conditions of predictions and finding charts) are made available in the web by the group.

Altitude distribution of electron concentration in ionospheric D-region in presence of time-varying solar radiation flux

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:50:10 +0000

In this paper, we study the influence of solar flares on electron concentration in the terrestrial ionospheric D-region by analyzing the amplitude and phase time variations of very low frequency (VLF) radio waves emitted by DHO transmitter (Germany) and recorded by the AWESOME receiver in Belgrade (Serbia) in real time. The rise of photo-ionization rate in the ionospheric D-region is a typical consequence of solar flare activity as recorded by GOES-15 satellite for the event on March 24, 2011 between 12:01 UT and 12:11 UT. At altitudes around 70 km, the photo-ionization and recombination are the dominant electron gain and electron loss processes, respectively. We analyze the relative contribution of each of these two processes in the resulting electron concentration variation in perturbed ionosphere.

Effective electron recombination coefficient in ionospheric D-region during the relaxation regime after solar flare from February 18, 2011

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:49:51 +0000

In this paper, we present a model for determination of a weakly time dependent effective recombination coefficient for the perturbed terrestrial ionospheric D-region plasma. We study consequences of a class M1.0 X-ray solar flare, recorded by GOES-15 satellite on February 18, 2011 between 14:00 UT and 14:15 UT, by analyzing the amplitude and phase real time variations of very low frequency (VLF) radio waves emitted by transmitter DHO (located in Germany) at frequency 23.4 kHz and recorded by the AWESOME receiver in Belgrade (Serbia). Our analysis is limited to ionospheric perturbations localized at altitudes around 70 km where the dominant electron gain and electron loss processes are the photo-ionization and recombination respectively.

On the aerodynamic redistribution of chondrite components in protoplanetary disks

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:47:19 +0000

Despite being all roughly of solar composition, primitive meteorites (chondrites) present a diversity in their chemical, isotopic and petrographic properties, and in particular a first-order dichotomy between carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous chondrites. We investigate here analytically the dynamics of their components (chondrules, refractory inclusions, metal/sulfide and matrix grains) in protoplanetary disks prior to their incorporation in chondrite parent bodies. We find the dynamics of the solids, subject to gas drag, to be essentially controlled by the “gas-solid decoupling parameter” $S\equiv \textrm{St}/\alpha$, the ratio of the dimensionless stopping time to the turbulence parameter. The decoupling of the solid particles relative to the gas is significant when $S$ exceeds unity. $S$ is expected to increase with time and heliocentric distance. On the basis of (i) abundance of refractory inclusions (ii) proportion of matrix (iii) lithophile element abundances and (iv) oxygen isotopic composition of chondrules, we propose that non-matrix chondritic components had $S1$ when the other chondrites accreted. This suggests that accretion of carbonaceous chondrites predated on average that of the other chondrites and that refractory inclusions are genetically related to their host carbonaceous chondrites.

Formation and long-term evolution of 3D vortices in protoplanetary discs

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:44:23 +0000

In the context of planet formation, anticyclonic vortices have recently received lots of attention for the role they can play in planetesimals formation. Radial migration of intermediate size solids toward the central star may prevent their growth to larger solid grains. On the other hand, vortices can trap the dust and accelerate this growth, counteracting fast radial transport. Multiple effects have been shown to affect this scenario, such as vortex migration or decay. The aim of this paper is to study the formation of vortices by the Rossby wave instability and their long term evolution in a full three dimensional protoplanetary disc. We use a robust numerical scheme combined with adaptive mesh refinement in cylindrical coordinates, allowing to affordably compute long term 3D evolutions. We consider a full disc stratified both radially and vertically that is prone to formation of vortices by the Rossby wave instability. We show that the 3D Rossby vortices grow and survive over hundreds of years without migration. The localized overdensity which initiated the instability and vortex formation survives the growth of the Rossby wave instability for very long times. When the vortices are no longer sustained by the Rossby wave instability, their shape changes toward more elliptical vortices. This allows them to survive shear-driven destruction, but they may be prone to elliptical instability and slow decay. When the conditions for growing Rossby wave-related instabilities are maintained in the disc, large-scale vortices can survive over very long timescales and may be able to concentrate solids.

The HARPS-TERRA project I. Description of the algorithms, performance and new measurements on a few remarkable stars observed by HARPS [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:35:19 +0000

Doppler spectroscopy has uncovered or confirmed all the known planets orbiting nearby stars. Two main techniques are used to obtain precision Doppler measurements at optical wavelengths. The first approach is the gas cell method, which consists on the least-squares matching of the spectrum of Iodine imprinted on the spectrum of the star. The second method relies on the construction of a stabilized spectrograph externally calibrated in wavelength. The most precise stabilized spectrometer in operation is HARPS, operated by ESO in La Silla Observatory/Chile. The Doppler measurements obtained with HARPS are typically obtained using the Cross-Correlation Function technique (CCF). It consists of multiplying the stellar spectrum with a weighted binary mask and finding the minimum of such product as a function of the Doppler shift. It is known that CCF is suboptimal in exploiting the Doppler information in the stellar spectrum. Here, we describe an algorithm to obtain precision RV measurements using least-squares matching of each observed spectrum to a high signal-to-noise ratio template derived from the same observations. Such algorithm is implemented in our software called HARPS-TERRA (Template Enhanced Radial velocity Re-analysis Application). New radial velocity measurements on a representative sample of stars observed by HARPS is used to illustrate the benefits of the proposed method. We show that, compared to CCF, template matching provides a significant improvement in accuracy, specially when applied to M dwarfs.

The EVIL-MC Model for Ellipsoidal Variations of Planet-Hosting Stars and Applications to the HAT-P-7 System [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:33:24 +0000

We present a new model for Ellipsoidal Variations Induced by a Low-Mass Companion, the EVIL-MC model. We employ several approximations appropriate for planetary systems to substantially increase the computational efficiency of our model relative to more general ellipsoidal variation models and improve upon the accuracy of simpler models. This new approach gives us a unique ability to rapidly and accurately determine planetary system parameters. We use the EVIL-MC model to analyze Kepler Quarter 0-2 (Q0-2) observations of the HAT-P-7 system, an F-type star orbited by a nearly Jupiter-mass companion. Our analysis corroborates previous estimates of the planet-star mass ratio q = (1.10 +/- 0.06) x 10^(-3), and we have revised the planet’s dayside brightness temperature to 2680 +10/-20 K. We also find a large difference between the day- and nightside planetary flux, with little nightside emission. Preliminary dynamical+radiative modeling of the atmosphere indicates this result is qualitatively consistent with high altitude absorption of stellar heating. Similar analyses of Kepler and CoRoT photometry of other planets using EVIL-MC will play a key role in providing constraints on the properties of many extrasolar systems, especially given the limited resources for follow-up and characterization of these systems. However, as we highlight, there are important degeneracies between the contributions from ellipsoidal variations and planetary emission and reflection. Consequently, for many of the hottest and brightest Kepler and CoRoT planets, accurate estimates of the planetary emission and reflection, diagnostic of atmospheric heat budgets, will require accurate modeling of the photometric contribution from the stellar ellipsoidal variation.

Calibration of Equilibrium Tide Theory for Extrasolar Planet Systems II

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:53:05 +0000

We present a new empirical calibration of equilibrium tidal theory for extrasolar planet systems, extending a prior study by incorporating detailed physical models for the internal structure of planets and host stars. The resulting strength of the stellar tide produces a coupling that is strong enough to reorient the spins of some host stars without causing catastrophic orbital evolution, thereby potentially explaining the observed trend in alignment between stellar spin and planetary orbital angular momentum. By isolating the sample whose spins should not have been altered in this model, we also show evidence for two different processes that contribute to the population of planets with short orbital periods. We apply our results to estimate the remaining lifetimes for short period planets, examine the survival of planets around evolving stars, and determine the limits for circularisation of planets with highly eccentric orbits. Our analysis suggests that the survival of circularised planets is strongly affected by the amount of heat dissipated, which is often large enough to lead to runaway orbital inflation and Roche lobe overflow.

Stability Regions Around the Components of the Triple System 2001 SN263

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:51:14 +0000

Mutual Events in the Cold Classical Transneptunian Binary System Sila and Nunam

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:50:17 +0000

Hubble Space Telescope observations between 2001 and 2010 resolved the binary components of the Cold Classical transneptunian object (79360) Sila-Nunam (provisionally designated 1997 CS29). From these observations we have determined the circular, retrograde mutual orbit of Nunam relative to Sila with a period of 12.50995 \pm 0.00036 days and a semimajor axis of 2777 \pm 19 km. A multi-year season of mutual events, in which the two near-equal brightness bodies alternate in passing in front of one another as seen from Earth, is in progress right now, and on 2011 Feb. 1 UT, one such event was observed from two different telescopes. The mutual event season offers a rich opportunity to learn much more about this barely-resolvable binary system, potentially including component sizes, colors, shapes, and albedo patterns. The low eccentricity of the orbit and a photometric lightcurve that appears to coincide with the orbital period are consistent with a system that is tidally locked and synchronized, like the Pluto-Charon system. The orbital period and semimajor axis imply a system mass of (10.84 \pm 0.22) \times 10^18 kg, which can be combined with a size estimate based on Spitzer and Herschel thermal infrared observations to infer an average bulk density of 0.72 +0.37 -0.23 g cm^-3, comparable to the very low bulk densities estimated for small transneptunian binaries of other dynamical classes.

The Transiting Circumbinary Planets Kepler-34 and Kepler-35

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:46:09 +0000

Most Sun-like stars in the Galaxy reside in gravitationally-bound pairs of stars called “binary stars”. While long anticipated, the existence of a “circumbinary planet” orbiting such a pair of normal stars was not definitively established until the discovery of Kepler-16. Incontrovertible evidence was provided by the miniature eclipses (“transits”) of the stars by the planet. However, questions remain about the prevalence of circumbinary planets and their range of orbital and physical properties. Here we present two additional transiting circumbinary planets, Kepler-34 and Kepler-35. Each is a low-density gas giant planet on an orbit closely aligned with that of its parent stars. Kepler-34 orbits two Sun-like stars every 289 days, while Kepler-35 orbits a pair of smaller stars (89% and 81% of the Sun’s mass) every 131 days. Due to the orbital motion of the stars, the planets experience large multi-periodic variations in incident stellar radiation. The observed rate of circumbinary planets implies > ~1% of close binary stars have giant planets in nearly coplanar orbits, yielding a Galactic population of at least several million.

Tidal synchronization of close-in satellites and exoplanets. A rheophysical approach

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:45:53 +0000

New theory of the dynamical tides of celestial bodies founded on a Newtonian creep instead of the classical delaying approach of the standard viscoelastic theories. The results of the theory derive mainly from the solution of a non-homogeneous ordinary differential equation. Lags appear in the solution, but as quantities determined from the solution of the equation and are not arbitrary external quantities plugged on an elastic model. The resulting lag of each tide component is an increasing function of its frequency (as in Darwin’s theory), and are not small quantities. The amplitudes of the tide components depend on the viscosity of the body and on their frequencies; they are not constants. The resulting stationary rotations (often called pseudo-synchronous) have an excess velocity roughly proportional to 6ne^2/(\chi^2+1/\chi^2) (\chi\ is the mean-motion in units of one relaxation factor inversely proportional to the viscosity) instead of the exact 6ne^2 of standard theories. The dissipation in the pseudo-synchronous solution is inversely proportional to (\chi+1/\chi); thus, in the inviscid limit it is roughly proportional to the frequency (as in standard theories), but that behavior is inverted when the viscosity is high and the relaxation factor much smaller than the tide frequency. For free rotating bodies, the dissipation is given by the same law, but now \chi\ is the frequency of the semidiurnal tide in units of the relaxation factor. This approach fails, however, to reproduce the actual tidal lags on Earth and on natural satellites. To reconcile theory and observations, in this case, we had to assume the coexistence of a small elastic tide superposed to the creeping tide. The theory is applied to several Solar System and extrasolar bodies and values of the relaxation factor \gamma\ are derived for these bodies on the basis of currently available data.

Comet 22P/Kopff: Dust environment and grain ejection anisotropy from visible and infrared observations

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:45:26 +0000

We present optical observations and Monte Carlo models of the dust coma, tail, and trail structures of comet 22P/Kopff during the 2002 and 2009 apparitions. Dust loss rates, ejection velocities, and power-law size distribution functions are derived as functions of the heliocentric distance using pre- and post-perihelion imaging observations during both apparitions. The 2009 post-perihelion images can be accurately fitted by an isotropic ejection model. On the other hand, strong dust ejection anisotropies are required to fit the near-coma regions at large heliocentric distances (both inbound at $r_h$=2.5 AU and outbound at $r_h$=2.6 AU) for the 2002 apparition. These asymmetries are compatible with a scenario where dust ejection is mostly seasonally-driven, coming mainly from regions near subsolar latitudes at far heliocentric distances inbound and outbound. At intermediate to near-perihelion heliocentric distances, the outgassing would affect much more extended latitude regions, the emission becoming almost isotropic near perihelion. We derived a maximum dust production rate of 260 kg s$^{-1}$ at perihelion, and an averaged production rate over one orbit of 40 kg s$^{-1}$. An enhanced emission rate, accompanied also by a large ejection velocity, is predicted at $r_h>$2.5 pre-perihelion. The model has also been extended to the thermal infrared in order to be applied to available trail observations with IRAS and ISO spacecrafts of this comet. The modeled trail intensities are in good agreement with those observations, which is remarkable taking into account that those data are sensitive to dust ejection patterns corresponding to several orbits before the 2002 and 2009 apparitions.

On the unusual gas composition in the Beta Pictoris debris disk

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:43:29 +0000

The metallic gas associated with the Beta Pic debris disk is believed to not be primordial, but arise during the destruction of dust grains. Recent observations have shown that carbon and oxygen in this gas are exceptionally overabundant compared to other elements, by some 400 times. We study the origin of this enrichment under two opposing hypothesis, preferential production, where the gas is produced with the observed unusual abundance, and preferential depletion, where the gas evolves to the observed state from an original solar abundance under a number of dynamical processes. We include in our study the following processes: radiative blow-out of metallic elements, dynamical coupling between different species, and viscous accretion onto the star. We find that, if gas viscosity is sufficiently low (the conventional alpha parameter 1e-1, as expected for this largely ionized disk), gas is continuously produced and viscously accreted toward the star. This removal process does not discriminate between elements so the observed overabundance of C and O has to be explained by a preferential production that strongly favors C and O to other metallic elements. One such candidate is photo-desorption off the grains. We compare our calculation against all observed elements (~10) in the gas disk and find a mild preference for the second scenario, based on the abundance of Si alone. If true, Beta Pic should still be accreting at an observable rate, well after its primordial disk has disappeared.

Year 3 LUNAR Annual Report to the NASA Lunar Science Institute [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:32:32 +0000

The Lunar University Network for Astrophysics Research (LUNAR) is a team of researchers and students at leading universities, NASA centers, and federal research laboratories undertaking investigations aimed at using the Moon as a platform for space science. LUNAR research includes Lunar Interior Physics & Gravitation using Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR), Low Frequency Cosmology and Astrophysics (LFCA), Planetary Science and the Lunar Ionosphere, Radio Heliophysics, and Exploration Science. The LUNAR team is exploring technologies that are likely to have a dual purpose, serving both exploration and science. There is a certain degree of commonality in much of LUNAR’s research. Specifically, the technology development for a lunar radio telescope involves elements from LFCA, Heliophysics, Exploration Science, and Planetary Science; similarly the drilling technology developed for LLR applies broadly to both Exploration and Lunar Science.

Water ice in the Kuiper belt

astro-ph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:58:27 +0000

We examine a large collection of low resolution near-infrared spectra of Kuiper belt objects and centaurs in an attempt to understand the presence of water ice in the Kuiper belt. We find that water ice on the surface of these objects occurs in three separate manners: (1) Haumea family members uniquely show surfaces of nearly pure water ice, presumably a consequence of the fragmentation of the icy mantle of a larger differentiated proto-Haumea; (2) large objects with absolute magnitudes of $H<3$ (and a limited number to H=4.5) have surface coverings of water ice – perhaps mixed with ammonia – that appears to be related to possibly ancient cryovolcanism on these large objects; and (3) smaller KBOs and centaurs which are neither Haumea family members nor cold-classical KBOs appear to divide into two families (which we refer to as "neutral" and "red"), each of which is a mixture of a common nearly-neutral component and either a slightly red or very red component that also includes water ice. A model suggesting that the difference between neutral and red objects is due to formation in an early compact solar system either inside or outside, respectively, of the ~20 AU methanol evaporation line is supported by the observation that methanol is only detected on the reddest objects, which are those which would be expected to have the most of the methanol containing mixture.

The stellar wind cycles and planetary radio emission of the Tau Boo system

astro-ph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:43:55 +0000

Tau Boo is an intriguing planet-host star that is believed to undergo magnetic cycles similar to the Sun, but with a duration that is about one order of magnitude smaller than that of the solar cycle. With the use of observationally derived surface magnetic field maps, we simulate the magnetic stellar wind of Tau Boo by means of three-dimensional MHD numerical simulations. As the properties of the stellar wind depend on the particular characteristics of the stellar magnetic field, we show that the wind varies during the observed epochs of the cycle. Although the mass loss-rates we find (~2.7e-12 Msun/yr) vary less than 3 per cent during the observed epochs of the cycle, our derived angular momentum loss-rates vary from 1.1 to 2.2e32erg. The spin-down times associated to magnetic braking range between 39 and 78Gyr. We also compute the emission measure from the (quiescent) closed corona and show that it remains approximately constant through these epochs at a value of ~10^{50.6} cm^{-3}. This suggests that a magnetic cycle of Tau Boo may not be detected by X-ray observations. We further investigate the interaction between the stellar wind and the planet by estimating radio emission from the hot-Jupiter that orbits at 0.0462 au from Tau Boo. By adopting reasonable hypotheses, we show that, for a planet with a magnetic field similar to Jupiter (~14G at the pole), the radio flux is estimated to be about 0.5-1 mJy, occurring at a frequency of 34MHz. If the planet is less magnetised (field strengths roughly <4G), detection of radio emission from the ground is unfeasible due to the Earth's ionospheric cutoff. According to our estimates, if the planet is more magnetised than that and provided the emission beam crosses the observer line-of-sight, detection of radio emission from Tau Boo b is only possible by ground-based instruments with a noise level of < 1 mJy, operating at low frequencies.

Nebular water depletion as the cause of Jupiter’s low oxygen abundance

astro-ph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:40:56 +0000

Motivated by recent spectroscopic observations suggesting that atmospheres of some extrasolar giant-planets are carbon-rich, i.e. carbon/oxygen ratio (C/O) $\ge$ 1, we find that the whole set of compositional data for Jupiter is consistent with the hypothesis that it be a carbon-rich giant planet. We show that the formation of Jupiter in the cold outer part of an oxygen-depleted disk (C/O $\sim$1) reproduces the measured Jovian elemental abundances at least as well as the hitherto canonical model of Jupiter formed in a disk of solar composition (C/O = 0.54). The resulting O abundance in Jupiter’s envelope is then moderately enriched by a factor of $\sim$2 $\times$ solar (instead of $\sim$7 $\times$ solar) and is found to be consistent with values predicted by thermochemical models of the atmosphere. That Jupiter formed in a disk with C/O $\sim$1 implies that water ice was heterogeneously distributed over several AU beyond the snow line in the primordial nebula and that the fraction of water contained in icy planetesimals was a strong function of their formation location and time. The Jovian oxygen abundance to be measured by NASA’s Juno mission en route to Jupiter will provide a direct and strict test of our predictions.

Exploring the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy Probability with Meteoritic Supernova Material, {\nu}-Process Nucleosynthesis, and {\theta}13 Mixing [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:37:22 +0000

There is recent evidence that some SiC X grains from the Murchison meteorite may contain supernova-produced {\nu}-process 11B and or 7Li encapsulated in the grains. The synthesis of 11B and 7Li via neutrino-induced nucleon emission (the {\nu} -process) in supernovae is sensitive to the neutrino mass hierarchy for finite sin^2(2{\theta}13) > 0.001}. This sensitivity arises because, when there is 13 mixing, the average electron neutrino energy for charged-current neutrino reactions is larger for a normal mass hierarchy than for an inverted hierarchy. Recent constraints on {\theta}13 from the Daya Bay, Double Chooz, MINOS, RENO and T2K collaborations all suggest that indeed sin^2(2{\theta}13) > 0.001}. We examine the possible implications of these new results based upon a Bayesian analysis of the uncertainties in the measured meteoritic material and the associated supernova nucleosynthesis models. We show that although the uncertainties are large, they hint at a marginal preference for an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy. We discuss the possibility that an analysis of more X grains enriched in Li and B along with a better understanding of the relevant stellar nuclear and neutrino reactions could eventually reveal the neutrino mass hierarchy.

Periodic orbits around areostationary points in the Martian gravity field [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:33:33 +0000

This study investigates the problem of areostationary orbits around Mars in the three-dimensional space. Areostationary orbits are expected to be used to establish a future telecommunication network for the exploration of Mars. However, no artificial satellites have been placed in these orbits thus far. In this paper, the characteristics of the Martian gravity field are presented, and areostationary points and their linear stability are calculated. By taking linearized solutions in the planar case as the initial guesses and utilizing the Levenberg-Marquardt method, families of periodic orbits around areostationary points are shown to exist. Short-period orbits and long-period orbits are found around linearly stable areostationary points, and only short-period orbits are found around unstable areostationary points. Vertical periodic orbits around both linearly stable and unstable areostationary points are also examined. Satellites in these periodic orbits could depart from areostationary points by a few degrees in longitude, which would facilitate observation of the Martian topography. Based on the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix, the evolution of the stability index of periodic orbits is determined. Finally, heteroclinic orbits connecting the two unstable areostationary points are found, providing the possibility for orbital transfer with minimal energy consumption.

Non-detection of transits of the super-Earth HD 97658b with MOST photometry

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:11:46 +0000

The radial velocity-discovered exoplanet HD 97658b was recently announced to transit, with a derived planetary radius of 2.93 $\pm$ 0.28 R$_{\oplus}$. As a transiting super-Earth orbiting a bright star, this planet would make an attractive candidate for additional observations, including studies of its atmospheric properties. We present and analyze follow-up photometric observations of the HD 97658 system acquired with the MOST space telescope. Our results show no transit with the depth and ephemeris reported in the announcement paper. For the same ephemeris, we rule out transits for a planet with radius larger than 1.87 R$_{\oplus}$. We also report new radial velocity measurements which continue to support the existence of an exoplanet with a period of 9.5 days, and obtain improved orbital parameters.

On the low-frequency boundary of Sun-generated MHD turbulence in the slow solar wind

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:07:24 +0000

New aspects of the slow solar wind turbulent heating and acceleration are investigated. A physical meaning of the lower boundary of the Alfv\’en wave turbulent spectra in the solar atmosphere and the solar wind is studied and the significance of this natural parameter is demonstrated. Via an analytical and quantitative treatment of the problem we show that a truncation of the wave spectra from the lower frequency side, which is a consequence of the solar magnetic field structure and its cyclic changes, results in a significant reduction of the heat production and acceleration rates. An appropriate analysis is presented regarding the link of the considered problem with existing observational data and slow solar wind initiation scenarios.

Mapping Earth-analogs from Photometric Variability: Spin-Orbit Tomography for Planets in Inclined Orbits

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:49:03 +0000

Aiming at obtaining detailed information of surface environment of Earth-analogs, Kawahara & Fujii 2011 proposed an inversion technique of annual scattered light curves named the spin-orbit tomography (SOT), which enables one to sketch a 2-dimensional albedo map from annual variation of the disk-integrated scattered light, and demonstrated the method with a planet in a face-on orbit. We extend it to be applicable to general geometric configurations, including low-obliquity planets like the Earth in inclined orbits. We simulate light curves of the Earth in an inclined orbit in three photometric bands (0.4-0.5um, 0.6-0.7um, and 0.8-0.9um) and show that the distribution of clouds, snow, and continents are retrieved with the aid of the SOT. We also demonstrate the SOT by applying it to an upright Earth, a tidally-locked Earth, and Earth-analogs with ancient continental configurations. The inversion is model-independent in the sense that we do not assume specific albedo models when mapping the surface, and hence applicable in principle to any kind of inhomogeneity. This method can potentially serve as a unique tool to investigate the exohabitats/exoclimes of Earth-analogs.

Mantle Dynamics in Super-Earths: Post-Perovskite Rheology and Self-Regulation of Viscosity

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:47:24 +0000

Simple scalings suggest that super-Earths are more likely than an equivalent Earth-sized planet to be undergoing plate tectonics. Generally, viscosity and thermal conductivity increase with pressure while thermal expansivity decreases, resulting in lower convective vigor in the deep mantle. According to conventional thinking, this might result in no convection in a super-Earth’s deep mantle. Here we evaluate this. First, we here extend the density functional theory (DFT) calculations of post-perovskite activation enthalpy of to a pressure of 1 TPa. The activation volume for diffusion creep becomes very low at very high pressure, but nevertheless for the largest super-Earths the viscosity along an adiabat may approach 1030 Pa s in the deep mantle. Second, we use these calculated values in numerical simulations of mantle convection and lithosphere dynamics of planets with up to ten Earth masses. The models assume a compressible mantle including depth-dependence of material properties and plastic yielding induced plate tectonics. Results confirm the likelihood of plate tectonics and show a novel self-regulation of deep mantle temperature. The deep mantle is not adiabatic; instead internal heating raises the temperature until the viscosity is low enough to facilitate convective loss of the radiogenic heat, which results in a super-adiabatic temperature profile and a viscosity increase with depth of no more than ~3 orders of magnitude, regardless of the viscosity increase that is calculated for an adiabat. Convection in large super-Earths is characterised by large upwellings and small, time-dependent downwellings. If a super-Earth was extremely hot/molten after its formation, it is thus likely that even after billions of years its deep interior is still extremely hot and possibly substantially molten with a “super basal magma ocean” – a larger version of (Labrosse et al., 2007).

Year 3 LUNAR Annual Report to the NASA Lunar Science Institute

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:45:04 +0000

Neptune’s wild days: constraints from the eccentricity distribution of the classical Kuiper Belt [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:34:08 +0000

Neptune’s dynamical history shaped the current orbits of Kuiper belt objects (KBOs), leaving clues to the planet’s orbital evolution. In the “classical” region, a population of dynamically “hot” high-inclination KBOs overlies a flat “cold” population with distinct physical properties. Simulations of qualitatively different histories for Neptune -including smooth migration on a circular orbit or scattering by other planets to a high eccentricity – have not simultaneously produced both populations. We explore a general Kuiper belt assembly model that forms hot classical KBOs interior to Neptune and delivers them to the classical region, where the cold population forms in situ. First, we present evidence that the cold population is confined to eccentricities well below the limit dictated by long-term survival. Therefore Neptune must deliver hot KBOs into the long-term survival region without excessively exciting the eccentricities of the cold population. Imposing this constraint, we explore the parameter space of Neptune’s eccentricity and eccentricity damping, migration, and apsidal precession. We rule out much of parameter space, except where Neptune is scattered to a moderately eccentric orbit (e > 0.15) and subsequently migrates a distance Delta aN=1-6 AU. Neptune’s moderate eccentricity must either damp quickly or be accompanied by fast apsidal precession. We find that Neptune’s high eccentricity alone does not generate a chaotic sea in the classical region. Chaos can result from Neptune’s interactions with Uranus, exciting the cold KBOs and placing additional constraints. Finally, we discuss how to interpret our constraints in the context of the full, complex dynamical history of the solar system.

Resonant Repulsion of Kepler Planet Pairs [Replacement]

astro-ph — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:31:06 +0000

Planetary systems discovered by the Kepler space telescope exhibit an intriguing feature. While the period ratios of adjacent low-mass planets appear largely random, there is a significant excess of pairs that lie just wide of resonances and a deficit on the near side. We demonstrate that this feature naturally arises when two near-resonant planets interact in the presence of weak dissipation that damps eccentricities. The two planets repel each other as orbital energy is lost to heat. This moves near-resonant pairs just beyond resonance, by a distance that reflects the integrated dissipation they experienced over their lifetimes. We find that the observed distances may be explained by tidal dissipation if tides are efficient (tidal quality factor ~10). Once the effect of resonant repulsion is accounted for, the initial orbits of these low mass planets show little preference for resonances. This is a strong constraint on their origin.

Simultaneous Swift X-ray and UV views of comet C/2007 N3 (Lulin)

astro-ph — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:40:34 +0000

We present an analysis of simultaneous X-Ray and UV observations ofcomet C/2007 N3 (Lulin) taken on three days between January 2009 and March 2009 using the Swift observatory. For our X-ray observations, we used basic transforms to account for the movement of the comet to allow the combination of all available data to produce an exposure-corrected image. We fit a simple model to the extracted spectrum and measured an X-ray flux of 4.3+/-1.3 * 10^-13 ergs cm-2 s-1 in the 0.3 to 1.0 keV band. In the UV, we acquired large-aperture photometry and used a coma model to derive water production rates given assumptions regarding the distribution of water and its dissociation into OH molecules about the comet’s nucleus. We compare and discuss the X-ray and UV morphology of the comet. We show that the peak of the cometary X-ray emission is offset sunward of the UV peak emission, assumed to be the nucleus, by approximately 35,000 km. The offset observed, the shape of X-ray emission and the decrease of the X-ray emission comet-side of the peak, suggested that the comet was indeed collisionally thick to charge exchange, as expected from our measurements of the comet’s water production rate (6–8 10^28 mol. s-1). The X-ray spectrum is consistent with solar wind charge exchange emission, and the comet most likely interacted with a solar wind depleted of very highly ionised oxygen. We show that the measured X-ray lightcurve can be very well explained by variations in the comet’s gas production rates, the observing geometry and variations in the solar wind flux.

Dynamical orbital effects of General Relativity on the satellite-to-satellite range and range-rate in the GRACE mission: a sensitivity analysis [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:37:57 +0000

We numerically investigate the impact of GTR on the orbital part of the satellite-to-satellite range \rho and range-rate \dot\rho of the twin GRACE A/B spacecrafts through their dynamical equations of motion integrated in an Earth-centered frame over a time span \Delta t=1 d. Instead, the GTR effects connected with the propagation of the electromagnetic waves linking the spacecrafts are neglected. The present-day accuracies in measuring the GRACE biased range and range-rate are \sigma_\rho\sim 1-10 \mum, \sigma_\dot\rho\sim 0.1-1 \mum s^-1; studies for a follow-on of such a mission points toward a range-rate accuracy of the order of \sigma_\dot\rho\sim 1 nm s^-1 or better. The GTR range and range-rate effects turn out to be \Delta\rho=80 \mum and \Delta\dot\rho=0.012 \mum s^-1 (Lense-Thirring), and \Delta\rho=6000 \mum and \Delta\dot\rho=10 \mum s^-1 (Schwarzschild). We also compute the dynamical range and range-rate perturbations caused by the first six zonal harmonic coefficients J_L, L=2,3,4,5,6,7 of the classical multipolar expansion of the terrestrial gravitational potential in order to evaluate their aliasing impact on the relativistic effects. Conversely, we also quantitatively, and preliminarily, assess the possible a-priori \virg{imprinting} of GTR itself, not solved-for in all the GRACE-based Earth’s gravity models produced so far, on the estimated values of the low degree zonals of the geopotential. The present sensitivity analysis can also be extended, in principle, to different orbital configurations in order to design a suitable dedicated mission able to accurately measure the relativistic effects considered.

Bayesian analysis of the astrobiological implications of life’s early emergence on Earth [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:36:59 +0000

Life arose on Earth sometime in the first few hundred million years after the young planet had cooled to the point that it could support water-based organisms on its surface. The early emergence of life on Earth has been taken as evidence that the probability of abiogenesis is high, if starting from young-Earth-like conditions. We revisit this argument quantitatively in a Bayesian statistical framework. By constructing a simple model of the probability of abiogenesis, we calculate a Bayesian estimate of its posterior probability, given the data that life emerged fairly early in Earth’s history and that, billions of years later, curious creatures noted this fact and considered its implications. We find that, given only this very limited empirical information, the choice of Bayesian prior for the abiogenesis probability parameter has a dominant influence on the computed posterior probability. Although terrestrial life’s early emergence provides evidence that life might be common in the Universe if early-Earth-like conditions are, the evidence is inconclusive and indeed is consistent with an arbitrarily low intrinsic probability of abiogenesis for plausible uninformative priors. Finding a single case of life arising independently of our lineage (on Earth, elsewhere in the Solar System, or on an extrasolar planet) would provide much stronger evidence that abiogenesis is not extremely rare in the Universe.

Spectral and Photometric Diagnostics of Giant Planet Formation Scenarios [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:34:39 +0000

Gas-giant planets that form via core accretion might have very different characteristics from those that form via disk-instability. Disk-instability objects are typically thought to have higher entropies, larger radii, and (generally) higher effective temperatures than core-accretion objects. We provide a large set of models exploring the observational consequences of high-entropy (hot) and low-entropy (cold) initial conditions, in the hope that this will ultimately help to distinguish between different physical mechanisms of planet formation. However, the exact entropies and radii of newly-formed planets due to these two modes of formation cannot, at present, be precisely predicted. We introduce a broad range of “Warm Start” gas-giant planet models. Between the hottest and the coldest models that we consider, differences in radii, temperatures, luminosities, and spectra persist for only a few million to a few tens of millions of years for planets that are a few times Jupiter’s mass or less. For planets that are ~five times Jupiter’s mass or more, significant differences between hottest-start and coldest-start models persist for on the order of 100 Myrs. We find that out of the standard infrared bands (J, H, K, L’, M, N) the K and H bands are the most diagnostic of the initial conditions. A hottest-start model can be from ~4.5 magnitudes brighter (at Jupiter’s mass) to ~9 magnitudes brighter (at ten times Jupiter’s mass) than a coldest-start model in the first few million years. In more massive objects, these large differences in luminosity and spectrum persist for much longer than in less massive objects. We consider the influence of atmospheric conditions on spectra, and find that the presence or absence of clouds, and the metallicity of an atmosphere, can affect an object’s apparent brightness in different bands by up to several magnitudes.

On the Carbon-to-Oxygen Ratio Measurement in Nearby Sunlike Stars: Implications for Planet Formation and the Determination of Stellar Abundances [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:32:51 +0000

Recent high resolution spectroscopic analysis of nearby FGK stars suggests that a high C/O ratio of greater than 0.8, or even 1.0, is relatively common. Two published catalogs find C/O$>0.8$ in 25-30% of systems, and C/O$>1.0$ in $\sim$~6-10%. It has been suggested that in protoplanetary disks with C/O$>0.8$ that the condensation pathways to refractory solids will differ from what occurred in our solar system, where C/O$=0.55$. The carbon-rich disks are calculated to make carbon-dominated rocky planets, rather than oxygen-dominated ones. Here we suggest that the derived stellar C/O ratios are overestimated. One constraint on the frequency of high C/O is the relative paucity of carbon dwarfs stars ($10^{-3}-10^{-5}$) found in large samples of low mass stars. We suggest reasons for this overestimation, including a high C/O ratio for the solar atmosphere model used for differential abundance analysis, the treatment of a Ni blend that affects the O abundance, and limitations of one-dimensional LTE stellar atmosphere models. Furthermore, from the estimated errors on the measured stellar C/O ratios, we find that the significance of the high C/O tail is weakened, with a true measured fraction of C/O$>0.8$ in 10-15% of stars, and C/O$>1.0$ in 1-5%, although these are still likely overestimates. We suggest that infrared T-dwarf spectra could show how common high C/O is in the stellar neighborhood, as the chemistry and spectra of such objects would differ compared to those with solar-like abundances. While possible at C/O$>0.8$, we expect that carbon-dominated rocky planets are rarer than others have suggested.

Resonant Repulsion of Kepler Planet Pairs

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:53:13 +0000

Starbursts and High-Redshift Galaxies are Radioactive: High Abundances of ^{26}Al and Other Short Lived Radionuclides

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:50:46 +0000

Short lived radionuclides (SLRs) like ^{26}Al are synthesized by massive stars and are a byproduct of star formation. The abundances of SLRs in the gas of a star-forming galaxy is inversely proportional to its gas consumption time. The rapid evolution of specific star formation rate (SSFR) of normal galaxies implies they had mean SLR abundances ~10 times higher at z = 2. During the epoch of Solar System formation, the mean SLR abundances of the Galaxy were twice as high as at present, if SLR yields from massive stars do not depend on metallicity. If SLRs are well-mixed with the gas of galaxies, the high SSFRs of normal galaxies can partly explain the elevated abundance of SLRs like ^{60}Fe and ^{26}Al in the early Solar System. Starburst galaxies have much higher SSFRs still, and would have enormous mean abundances of ^{26}Al (^{26}Al/^{27}Al ~ 10^-3 for Solar metallicity gas). The main uncertainty is whether the SLRs are mixed with the molecular gas: they may decay before propagating from their origin sites, or be blown out by starburst winds. I show the enhanced ^{26}Al of starbursts can maintain moderate ionization rates (10^-18 – 10^-17 s^-1), possibly dominating ionization in dense clouds not penetrated by cosmic rays. Similar ionization rates would be maintained in protoplanetary disks of starbursts, and the radiogenic heating of planetesimals would likewise be much higher. In this way, galaxy evolution can affect the geological history of planetary systems.

The remarkable solar twin HIP 56948: a prime target in the quest for other Earths

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:40:38 +0000

We study HIP 56948, the best solar twin known to date, to determine with an unparalleled precision how similar is to the Sun in its physical properties, chemical composition and planet architecture. We explore whether the abundances anomalies may be due to pollution from stellar ejecta or to terrestrial planet formation. We perform a differential abundance analysis (both in LTE and NLTE) using high resolution (R = 100,000) high S/N (600) Keck HIRES spectra of the Sun and HIP 56948. We use precise radial velocity data from the McDonald and Keck observatories to search for planets around this star. We achieve a precision of sigma = 0.003 dex for several elements. Including errors in stellar parameters the total uncertainty is as low as sigma = 0.005 dex (1 %), which is unprecedented in elemental abundance studies. The similarities between HIP 56948 and the Sun are astonishing. HIP 56948 is only 17+/-7 K hotter than the Sun, and log g, [Fe/H] and microturbulence are only +0.02+/-0.02 dex, +0.02+/-0.01 dex and +0.01+/-0.01 km/s higher than solar, respectively. HIP 56948 has a mass of 1.02+/-0.02M_Sun and is 1 Gyr younger than the Sun. Both stars show a chemical abundance pattern that differs from most solar twins. The trend with T_cond in differential abundances (twins – HIP56948) can be reproduced very well by adding 3 M_Earth of a mix of Earth and meteoritic material, to the convection zone of HIP 56948. From our radial velocity monitoring we find no indications of giant planets interior to or within the habitable zone of HIP 56948. We conclude that HIP 56948 is an excellent candidate to host a planetary system like our own, including the possible presence of inner terrestrial planets. Its striking similarity to the Sun and its mature age makes HIP 56948 a prime target in the quest for other Earths and SETI endeavors.

Chameleon effect and the Pioneer anomaly [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:39:53 +0000

The possibility that the apparent anomalous acceleration of the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft may be due, at least in part, to a chameleon field effect is examined. A small spacecraft, with no thin shell, can have a more pronounced anomalous acceleration than a large compact body, such as a planet, having a thin shell. The chameleon effect seems to present a natural way to explain the differences seen in deviations from pure Newtonian gravity for a spacecraft and for a planet, and appears to be compatible with the basic features of the Pioneer anomaly, including the appearance of a jerk term. However, estimates of the size of the chameleon effect indicate that its contribution to the anomalous acceleration is negligible. We conclude that any inverse-square component in the anomalous acceleration is more likely caused by an unmodelled reaction force from solar-radiation pressure, rather than a chameleon field effect.

Dissipative Divergence of Resonant Orbits

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:39:07 +0000

A considerable fraction of multi-planet systems discovered by the observational surveys of extrasolar planets reside in mild proximity to first-order mean motion resonances. However, the relative remoteness of such systems from nominal resonant period ratios (e.g. 2:1, 3:2, 4:3) has been interpreted as evidence for lack of resonant interactions. Here we show that a slow divergence away from exact commensurability is a natural outcome of dissipative evolution and demonstrate that libration of critical angles can be maintained tens of percent away from nominal resonance. We construct an analytical theory for the long-term dynamical evolution of dissipated resonant planetary pairs and confirm our calculations numerically. Collectively, our results suggest that a significant fraction of the near-commensurate extrasolar planets are in fact resonant and have undergone significant dissipative evolution.

Dynamical Ionic Clusters with Flowing Electron Bubbles from Warm to Hot Dense Iron along the Hugoniot Curve [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:36:15 +0000

The complex structures of warm and hot dense matter are essential to understand the behaviors of materials in high energy density physics processes and provide new features of matter constitutions. Here, along a new unified first-principle determined Hugoniot curve of iron from normal condensed condition up to 1 Gbar, the novel structures characterized by the ionic clusters and separated “electron bubbles” are revolutionarily unraveled using newly developed quantum Langevin molecular dynamics (QLMD). Subsistence of complex clusters, with bonds formed by inner shell electrons of neighbor ions, can persist in the time length of 50 femto-seconds dynamically with quantum flowing bubbles, which are produced by the interplay of Fermi electron degeneracy, the ionic coupling and the dynamical nature. With the inclusion of those complicated features in QLMD, the present data could serve as a first-principle benchmark in a wide range of temperatures and densities.

Geo-neutrinos and the Radioactive Power of the Earth [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:35:28 +0000

Geological models are at odds over the radioactive power of the earth, predicting anywhere from 16 to 42 TW. The actual value constrains the thermal evolution of the planet. An estimated 20% of this radioactive power escapes to space in the form of geo-neutrinos. The remaining portion heats the planet with significant geo-dynamical consequences. The amount of radiogenic heating discriminates earth models and characterizes the rate of planetary temperature change. Radiogenic heating in the planet primarily springs from unstable nuclides of uranium, thorium, and potassium. Closely associated with radiogenic heating is the production of geo-neutrinos. Large subsurface detectors efficiently record the infrequent interactions of the highest energy geo-neutrinos, which originate from uranium and thorium. The measured energy spectrum of the interactions estimates the relative amounts of these heat-producing elements, while the intensity assesses planetary radiogenic power. Recent geo-neutrino observations suggest radioactivity accounts for less than all of the surface heat flow. This assessment, implying the earth is cooling down, approaches sensitivity to model predictions. Future observations at selected locations have the potential to constrain the thermal evolution of the planet and to resolve earth models. This review presents the science and status of geo-neutrino observations and the prospects for measuring the radioactive power of the planet.

Infrared Non-detection of Fomalhaut b — Implications for the Planet Interpretation [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:33:15 +0000

The nearby A4-type star Fomalhaut hosts a debris belt in the form of an eccentric ring, which is thought to be caused by dynamical influence from a giant planet companion. In 2008, a detection of a point-source inside the inner edge of the ring was reported and was interpreted as a direct image of the planet, named Fomalhaut b. The detection was made at ~600–800 nm, but no corresponding signatures were found in the near-infrared range, where the bulk emission of such a planet should be expected. Here we present deep observations of Fomalhaut with Spitzer/IRAC at 4.5 um, using a novel PSF subtraction technique based on ADI and LOCI, in order to substantially improve the Spitzer contrast at small separations. The results provide more than an order of magnitude improvement in the upper flux limit of Fomalhaut b and exclude the possibility that any flux from a giant planet surface contributes to the observed flux at visible wavelengths. This renders any direct connection between the observed light source and the dynamically inferred giant planet highly unlikely. We discuss several possible interpretations of the total body of observations of the Fomalhaut system, and find that the interpretation that best matches the available data for the observed source is scattered light from transient or semi-transient dust cloud.

A Correlation Between the Eclipse Depths of Kepler Gas Giant Candidates and the Metallicities of their Parent Stars

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:51:20 +0000

Previous studies of the interior structure of transiting exoplanets have shown that the heavy element content of gas giants increases with host star metallicity. Since metal-poor planets are less dense and have larger radii than metal-rich planets of the same mass, one might expect that metal-poor stars host a higher proportion of gas giants with large radii than metal-rich stars. Here I present evidence for a negative correlation at the 2.3-sigma level between eclipse depth and stellar metallicity in the Kepler gas giant candidates. Based on Kendall’s tau statistics, the probability that eclipse depth depends on star metallicity is 0.981. The correlation is consistent with planets orbiting low-metallicity stars being, on average, larger in comparison with their host stars than planets orbiting metal-rich stars. Furthermore, since metal-rich stars have smaller radii than metal-poor stars of the same mass and age, a uniform population of planets should show a rise in median eclipse depth with [M/H]. The fact that I find the opposite trend indicates that substantial changes in gas giant interior structure must accompany increasing [M/H]. I investigate whether the known scarcity of giant planets orbiting low-mass stars could masquerade as an eclipse depth-metallicity correlation, given the degeneracy between metallicity and temperature for cool stars in the Kepler Input Catalog. While the eclise depth-metallicity correlation is not yet on firm statistical footing and will require spectroscopic [Fe/H] measurements for validation, it is an intriguing window into how the interior structure of planets and even the planet formation mechanism may be changing with Galactic chemical evolution.

Magnitude and size distribution of long-period comets in Earth-crossing or approaching orbits

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:50:28 +0000

We analyse the population of near-Earth Long-Period Comets (LPCs) (perihelion distances q 10^3 yr). We have considered the sample of LPCs discovered during the period 1900-2009 and their estimated absolute total visual magnitudes H. For the period 1900-1970 we have relied upon historical estimates of absolute total magnitudes, while for the more recent period 1970-2009 we have made our own estimates of H based on Green’s photometric data base and IAU Circulars. We have also used historical records for the sample of brightest comets (H < 4.5) covering the period: 1500-1899, based mainly on Vsekhsvyatskii, Hasegawa and Kronk catalogues. We find that the cumulative distribution of H can be represented by a three-modal law of the form log_{10}N_{

Rotation-stimulated structures in the CN and C3 comae of comet 103P/Hartley 2 around the EPOXI encounter

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:45:27 +0000

In late 2010 a Jupiter Family comet 103P/Hartley 2 was a subject of an intensive world-wide investigation. On UT October 20.7 the comet approached the Earth within only 0.12 AU, and on UT November 4.6 it was visited by NASA’s EPOXI spacecraft. We joined this international effort and organized an observing campaign. The images of the comet were obtained through narrowband filters using the 2-m telescope of the Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory. They were taken during 4 nights around the moment of the EPOXI encounter. Image processing methods and periodicity analysis techniques were used to reveal transient coma structures and investigate their repeatability and kinematics. We observe shells, arc-, jet- and spiral-like patterns, very similar for the CN and C3 comae. The CN features expanded outwards with the sky-plane projected velocities between 0.1 to 0.3 km/s. A corkscrew structure, observed on November 6, evolved with a much higher velocity of 0.66 km/s. Photometry of the inner coma of CN shows variability with a period of 18.32+/-0.30 h (valid for the middle moment of our run, UT 2010 Nov. 5.0835), which we attribute to the nucleus rotation. This result is fully consistent with independent determinations around the same time by other teams. The pattern of repeatability is, however, not perfect, which is understendable given the suggested excitation of the rotation state, and the variability detected in CN correlates well with the cyclic changes in HCN, but only in the active phases. The revealed coma structures, along with the snapshot of the nucleus orientation obtained by EPOXI, let us estimate the spin axis orientation. We obtained RA=122 deg, Dec=+16 deg (epoch J2000.0), neglecting at this point the rotational excitation.

An Analytic Method to determine Habitable Zones for S-Type Planetary Orbits in Binary Star Systems

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:43:37 +0000

With more and more extrasolar planets discovered in and around binary star systems, questions concerning the determination of the classical Habitable Zone arise. Do the radiative and gravitational perturbations of the second star influence the extent of the Habitable Zone significantly, or is it sufficient to consider the host-star only? In this article we investigate the implications of stellar companions with different spectral types on the insolation a terrestrial planet receives orbiting a Sun-like primary. We present time independent analytical estimates and compare these to insolation statistics gained via high precision numerical orbit calculations. Results suggest a strong dependence of permanent habitability on the binary’s eccentricity, as well as a possible extension of Habitable Zones towards the secondary in close binary systems.

Taxonomy of the extrasolar planet [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:40:13 +0000

When a star is described as a spectral class G2V, we know that the star is similar to our Sun. We know its approximate mass, temperature, age, and size. When working with an extra-solar planet database, it is very useful to have a taxonomy scale (classification) such as, for example, the Harvard classification for stars. The taxonomy has to be easily interpreted and present the most relevant information about extra-solar planets. I propose the following the extra-solar planet taxonomy scale with four parameters. The first parameter concerns the mass of an extra-solar planet in the form of the units of the mass of other known planets, where M represents the mass of Mercury, E that of Earth, N Neptune, and J Jupiter. The second parameter is the planet’s distance from its parent star (semi-major axis) described in logarithm with base 10. The third parameter is the mean Dyson temperature of the extra-solar planet, for which I established four main temperature classes; F represents the Freezing class, W the Water Class, G the Gaseous Class, and R the Roasters Class. I devised one additional class, however: P, the Pulsar Class, which concerns extra-solar planets orbiting pulsar stars. The fourth parameter is eccentricity. If the attributes of the surface of the extra-solar planet are known, we are able to establish this additional parameter where t represents a terrestrial planet, g a gaseous planet, and i an ice planet. According to this taxonomy scale, for example, Earth is 1E0W0t, Neptune is 1N1.5F0i, and extra-solar planet 55 Cnc e is 9E-1.8R1. Key words: Catalogues – Extra-solar planet – Habitable zone – Planets

Spitzer/MIPS 24 micron Observations of HD 209458b: 3 eclipses, 2.5 transits, and a Phase Curve Corrupted by Instrumental Sensitivity Variations [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:35:44 +0000

A New Disintegrative Capture Theory for the Origin of the Moon [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:32:20 +0000

The object that resulted in the creation of the Moon started in the same orbital path as Earth around the Sun, but at Earth’s L4. This proto-Moon (PM) was 4 times less massive than the usual Giant Impact (GI) object “Theia” and was captured into Earth orbit. It had a 32% Iron-Nickel-Sulfur core supporting a dynamo, which explains magnetized lunar rocks. Following capture, it was torn apart by tidal forces and its core of iron plastered itself, with some of its rock mantle, on the surface of Earth at a very flat angle (producing the “Late Veneer”). After tidal stripping, the remaining PM rock was driven away from Earth to about 3.8 times Earth’s radius and formed into what is now the Moon. The GI theory has several troubles: The violent collision melts the entire Earth, contrary to geological evidence. The Moon itself also has to condense out of the vapor cloud generated in the collision, but there is evidence that the Moon was not condensed out of vapor. In the new theory, the Moon as we know it may be only 3.8 – 3.9 billion years old, not 4.56 as usually assumed. That is the age of the PM. The minerals in the Moon would be about as old as the Earth, but would have been re-arranged in the capture and temporary disintegration process. If the Moon is as young as suggested, its origin would coincide with the beginning of life on Earth, which is unexplained in the GI theory. The manuscript asks, “Was the Moon Turned Inside-Out” and the answer is “Essentially, Yes.”

Time-resolved Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of the M-dwarf GJ 876 Exoplanetary System

astro-ph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:51:08 +0000

Extrasolar planets orbiting M-stars may represent our best chance to discover habitable worlds in the coming decade. The ultraviolet spectrum incident upon both Earth-like and Jovian planets is critically important for proper modeling of their atmospheric heating and chemistry. In order to provide more realistic inputs for atmospheric models of planets orbiting low-mass stars, we present new near- and far-ultraviolet (NUV and FUV) spectroscopy of the M-dwarf exoplanet host GJ 876 (M4V). Using the COS and STIS spectrographs aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, we have measured the 1150-3140A spectrum of GJ 876. We have reconstructed the stellar HI LyA emission line profile, and find that the integrated LyA flux is roughly equal to the rest of the integrated flux (1150-1210A + 1220-3140A) in the entire ultraviolet bandpass (F(LyA)/F(FUV+NUV) ~0.7). This ratio is ~ 2500x greater than the solar value. We describe the ultraviolet line spectrum and report surprisingly strong fluorescent emission from hot H2 (T(H2) > 2000 K). We show the light-curve of a chromospheric + transition region flare observed in several far-UV emission lines, with flare/quiescent flux ratios >= 10. The strong FUV radiation field of an M-star (and specifically LyA) is important for determining the abundance of O2 — and the formation of biomarkers — in the lower atmospheres of Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of low-mass stars.

Star Hoppers: Planet Instability and Capture in Evolving Binary Systems

astro-ph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:47:39 +0000

Many planets are observed in stellar binary systems, and their frequency may be comparable to that of planetary systems around single stars. Binary stellar evolution in such systems influences the dynamical evolution of the resident planets. Here we study the evolution of a single planet orbiting one star in an evolving binary system. We find that stellar evolution can trigger dynamical instabilities that drive planets into chaotic orbits. This instability leads to planet-star collisions, exchange of the planet between the binary stars (“star-hoppers”), and ejection of the planet from the system. The means by which planets can be recaptured is similar to the pull-down capture mechanism for irregular solar system satellites. Because planets often suffer close encounters with the primary on the asymptotic giant branch, captures during a collision with the stellar envelope are also possible. Such capture could populate the habitable zone around white dwarfs.

Supercriticality to subcriticality in dynamo transitions [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:40:06 +0000

In this paper, we present a three-mode dynamo model which describes both supercritical and subcritical dynamo transitions. The nature of dynamo transition changes from supercritical to subcritical as the magnetic Prandtl number is decreased, consistent with the numerical results in the spherical-shell and the Taylor-Green dynamo. We also perform a detailed analysis of the hysteresis zone of a subcritical dynamo using direct numerical simulations. Numerical simulation and model analysis show that the sets of initial conditions, called the basin of attraction, of the no-dynamo and the dynamo states are separated by an unstable manifold.

The coronal X-ray – age relation and its implications for the evaporation of exoplanets [Replacement]

astro-ph — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:36:04 +0000

We study the relationship between coronal X-ray emission and stellar age for late-type stars, and the variation of this relationship with spectral type. We select 717 stars from 13 open clusters and find that the ratio of X-ray to bolometric luminosity during the saturated phase of coronal emission decreases from 10^-3.1 for late K-dwarfs to 10^-4.3 for early F-type stars (across the range 0.29<(B-V)_0 5% of their mass since formation. In addition we provide estimates of the minimum formation mass for which a planet could be expected to survive for 4 Gyrs for a range of stellar and planetary parameters. We emphasise the importance of the earliest periods of a planet’s life for its evaporation history with 75% expected to occur within the first Gyr. This raises the possibility of using evaporation histories to distinguish between different migration scenarios. For planets with available spin-orbit angles no difference is found between the distributions of planets with misaligned orbits and those with aligned orbits. This suggests that misalignment occurs early in the life of the planetary system, though more data is needed.

Tidal evolution of exo-planetary systems: WASP-50, GJ 1214 and CoRoT-7

astro-ph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:48:30 +0000

We perform numerical simulations to investigate tidal evolution of two single-planet systems, that is, WASP-50 and GJ 1214 and a two-planet system CoRoT-7. The results of orbital evolution show that tidal decay and circularization may play a significant role in shaping their final orbits, which is related to the initial orbital data in the simulations. For GJ 1214 system, different cases of initial eccentricity are also considered as only an upper limit of its eccentricity (0.27) is shown, and the outcome suggests a possible maximum initial eccentricity (0.4) in the adopted dynamical model. Moreover, additional runs with alternative values of dissipation factor $Q^\prime_1$ are carried out to explore tidal evolution for GJ 1214b, and these results further indicate that the real $Q^\prime_1$ of GJ 1214b may be much larger than its typical value, which may reasonably suggest that GJ 1214b bears a present-day larger eccentricity, undergoing tidal circularization at a slow rate. For the CoRoT-7 system, tidal forces make two planets migrating towards their host star as well as producing tidal circularization, and in this process tidal effects and mutual gravitational interactions are coupled with each other. Various scenarios of the initial eccentricity of the outer planet have also been done to investigate final planetary configuration. Tidal decay arising from stellar tides may still work for each system as the eccentricity decreases to zero, and this is in association with the remaining lifetime of each planet used to predict its future.

Transfer of Life-Bearing Meteorites from Earth to Other Planets

astro-ph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:48:13 +0000

The probability is investigated that the meteorites originating on Earth are transferred to other planets in our Solar System and to extra solar planets. We take the collisional Chicxulub crater event, and material that was ejected as an example of Earth-origin meteors. If we assume the appropriate size of the meteorites as 1cm in diameter, the number of meteorites to reach the exoplanet system (further than 20 ly) would be much greater than one. We have followed the ejection and capture rates estimated by Melosh (2003) and the discussion by Wallis and Wickramasinghe (2004). If we consider the possibility that the fragmented ejecta (smaller than 1cm) are accreted to comets and other icy bodies, then buried fertile material could make the interstellar journey throughout Galaxy. If life forms inside remain viable, this would be evidence of life from Earth seeding other planets. We also estimate the transfer velocity of the micro-organisms in the interstellar space. In some assumptions, it could be estimated that, if life has originated $10^{10}$\ years ago anywhere in our Galaxy as theorized by Joseph and Schild (2010a, b), it will have since propagated throughout our Galaxy and could have arrived on Earth by 4.6 billion years ago. Organisms disperse.

The phase equilibrium in a Lennard Jones fluid: possible applications in astrophysics [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:43:48 +0000

Using standard thermodynamics and previous results of the author, this paper aims to discuss the conditions for phase equilibrium in a Lennard-Jones fluid. Possibilities of astrophysical applications of the results obtained here are discussed to some extent.

A study of ozone in the surface layer of Kiev and its impact on the human health

astro-ph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:41:25 +0000

Mantle geoneutrinos in KamLAND and Borexino [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:40:51 +0000

The KamLAND and Borexino experiments have observed, each at ~4 sigma level, signals of electron antineutrinos produced in the decay chains of thorium and uranium in the Earth’s crust and mantle (Th and U geoneutrinos). Various pieces of geochemical and geophysical information allow an estimation of the crustal geoneutrino flux components with relatively small uncertainties. The mantle component may then be inferred by subtracting the estimated crustal flux from the measured total flux. To this purpose, we analyze in detail the experimental Th and U geoneutrino event rates in KamLAND and Borexino, including neutrino oscillation effects. We estimate the crustal flux at the two detector sites, using state-of-the-art information about the Th and U distribution on global and local scales. We find that crust-subtracted signals show hints of a residual mantle component, emerging at ~2.4 sigma level by combining the KamLAND and Borexino data. The inferred mantle flux slightly favors scenarios with relatively high Th and U abundances, within +-1 sigma uncertainties comparable to the spread of predictions from recent mantle models.

(1173) Anchises – Thermophysical and Dynamical Studies of a Dynamically Unstable Jovian Trojan

astro-ph — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:40:35 +0000

We have performed detailed thermophysical and dynamical modelling of Jovian Trojan (1173) Anchises. Our results reveal a most unusual object. By examining observational data taken by IRAS, Akari and WISE between 11.5 and 60 microns, along with variations in its optical lightcurve, we find Anchises is most likely an elongated body, with an axes-ratio of ~1.4. This yields calculated best-fit dimensions of 170×121x121km (an equivalent diameter of 136+18/-11km). We find the observations are best fit by Anchises having a retrograde sense of rotation, and an unusually high thermal inertia (25 to 100 Jm-2s-0.5K-1). The geometric albedo is found to be 0.027 (+0.006/-0.007). Anchises therefore has one of the highest published thermal inertias of any object larger than 100km in diameter, at such large heliocentric distances, and is one of the lowest albedo objects ever observed. More observations are needed to see if there is a link between the very shallow phase curve, with almost no opposition effect, and the derived thermal properties for this large Trojan asteroid. Our dynamical investigation of Anchises’ orbit has revealed it to be dynamically unstable on timescales of hundreds of Myr, similar to the unstable Neptunian Trojans 2001 QR322 and 2008 LC18. Unlike those objects, we find that Anchises’ dynamical stability is not a function of its initial orbital elements, the result of the exceptional precision with which its orbit is known. This is the first time that a Jovian Trojan has been shown to be dynamically unstable, and adds weight to the idea that planetary Trojans represent a significant ongoing contribution to the Centaur population, the parents of the short-period comets. The observed instability does not rule out a primordial origin for Anchises, but when taken in concert with the result of our thermophysical analysis, suggest that it would be a fascinating target for future study.

Anelastic tidal dissipation in multi-layer planets

astro-ph — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:37:33 +0000

Earth-like planets have viscoelastic mantles, whereas giant planets may have viscoelastic cores. The tidal dissipation of such solid regions, gravitationally perturbed by a companion body, highly depends on their rheology and on the tidal frequency. Therefore, modelling tidal interactions presents a high interest to provide constraints on planets’ properties and to understand their history and their evolution, in our Solar System or in exoplanetary systems. We examine the equilibrium tide in the anelastic parts of a planet whatever the rheology, taking into account the presence of a fluid envelope of constant density. We show how to obtain the different Love numbers that describe its tidal deformation. Thus, we discuss how the tidal dissipation in solid parts depends on the planet’s internal structure and rheology. Finally, we show how the results may be implemented to describe the dynamical evolution of planetary systems. The first manifestation of the tide is to distort the shape of the planet adiabatically along the line of centers. Then, the response potential of the body to the tidal potential defines the complex Love numbers whose real part corresponds to the purely adiabatic elastic deformation, while its imaginary part accounts for dissipation. This dissipation is responsible for the imaginary part of the disturbing function, which is implemented in the dynamical evolution equations, from which we derive the characteristic evolution times. The rate at which the system evolves depends on the physical properties of tidal dissipation, and specifically on how the shear modulus varies with tidal frequency, on the radius and also the rheological properties of the solid core. The quantification of the tidal dissipation in solid cores of giant planets reveals a possible high dissipation which may compete with dissipation in fluid layers.

Theoretical Spectra of Terrestrial Exoplanet Surfaces

astro-ph — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:33:57 +0000

We investigate spectra of airless rocky exoplanets with a theoretical framework that self-consistently treats reflection and thermal emission. We find that a silicate surface on an exoplanet is spectroscopically detectable via prominent Si-O features in the thermal emission bands of 7 – 13 \mu m and 15 – 25 \mu m. The variation of brightness temperature due to the silicate features can be up to 20 K for an airless Earth analog, and the silicate features are wide enough to be distinguished from atmospheric features with relatively high-resolution spectra. The surface characterization thus provides a method to unambiguously identify a rocky exoplanet. Furthermore, identification of specific rocky surface types is possible with the planet’s reflectance spectrum in near-infrared broad bands. A key parameter to observe is the difference between K band and J band geometric albedos (A_g (K)-A_g (J)): A_g (K)-A_g (J) > 0.2 indicates that more than half of the planet’s surface has abundant mafic minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene, in other words primary crust from a magma ocean or high-temperature lavas; A_g (K)-A_g (J) < -0.09 indicates that more than half of the planet's surface is covered or partially covered by water ice or hydrated silicates, implying extant or past water on its surface. Also, surface water ice can be specifically distinguished by an H-band geometric albedo lower than the J-band geometric albedo. The surface features can be distinguished from possible atmospheric features with molecule identification of atmospheric species by transmission spectroscopy. We therefore propose that mid-infrared spectroscopy of exoplanets may detect rocky surfaces, and near-infrared spectrophotometry may identify ultramafic surfaces, hydrated surfaces and water ice.

NIMASTEP: a software to modelize, study and analyze the dynamics of various small objects orbiting specific bodies [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:33:12 +0000

NIMASTEP is a dedicated numerical software developed by us, which allows one to integrate the osculating motion (using cartesian coordinates) in a Newtonian approach of an object considered as a point-mass orbiting a homogeneous central body that rotates with a constant rate around its axis of smallest inertia. The code can be applied to objects such as particles, artificial or natural satellites or space debris. The central body can be either any terrestrial planet of the solar system, any dwarf-planet, or even an asteroid. In addition, very many perturbations can be taken into account, such as the combined third-body attraction of the Sun, the Moon, or the planets, the direct solar radiation pressure (with the central body shadow), the non-homogeneous gravitational field caused by the non-sphericity of the central body, and even some thrust forces. The simulations were performed using different integration algorithms. Two additional tools were integrated in the software package; the indicator of chaos MEGNO and the frequency analysis NAFF. NIMASTEP is designed in a flexible modular style and allows one to (de)select very many options without compromising the performance. It also allows one to easily add other possibilities of use. The code has been validated through several tests such as comparisons with numerical integrations made with other softwares or with semi-analytical and analytical studies. The various possibilities of NIMASTEP are described and explained and some tests of astrophysical interest are presented. At present, the code is proprietary but it will be released for use by the community in the near future. Information for contacting its authors and (in the near future) for obtaining the software are available on the web site http://www.fundp.ac.be/en/research/projects/page_view/10278201/

Lower bounds of characteristic scale of topological modification of the Newtonian gravitation [Replacement]

astro-ph — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:32:35 +0000

We analytically work out the long-term orbital perturbations induced by the first term of the expansion of the perturbing potential arising from the local modification of the Newton’s inverse square law due to a topology R^2 x S^1 with a compactified dimension of radius R recently proposed by Floratos and Leontaris. We neither restrict to any specific spatial direction for the asymmetry axis nor to particular orbital configurations of the test particle. Thus, our results are quite general. Non-vanishing long-term variations occur for all the usual osculating Keplerian orbital elements, apart from the semimajor axis which is left unaffected. By using recent improvements in the determination of the orbital motion of Saturn from Cassini data, we preliminarily inferred R >= 4-6 kau. As a complementary approach, the putative topological effects should be explicitly modeled and solved-for with a modified version of the ephemerides dynamical models with which the same data sets should be reprocessed.

Directly Imaging Tidally Powered Migrating Jupiters

astro-ph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:51:27 +0000

We show that ongoing direct imaging experiments may detect a new class of long-period, highly luminous, tidally powered extrasolar gas giants. Even though they are hosted by Gyr-”old” main-sequence stars, they can be as “hot” as young Jupiters at ~100 Myr, the prime targets of direct imaging surveys. These planets, with years-long orbits, are presently migrating to “feed” the “hot Jupiters” in steady state. Their existence is expected from a class of “high-e” migration mechanisms, in which gas giants are excited to highly eccentric orbits and then shrink their semi-major axis by factor of ~ 10-100 due to tidal dissipation at successive close periastron passages. The dissipated orbital energy is converted to heat, and if it is deposited deep enough into the planet atmosphere, the planet likely radiates steadily at luminosity ~2-3 orders of magnitude larger than that of our Jupiter during a typical Gyr migration time scale. Their large orbital separations and expected high planet-to-star flux ratios in IR make them potentially accessible to high-contrast imaging instruments on 10m-class telescopes at present and in the near future. A dozen or so such planets are expected to exist around FGK dwarfs within ~50 pc. Long-period planets around nearby stars found by RV are viable candidates to follow up, and in particular, the highly eccentric planet HD 20782b at maximum angular separation ~ 0.08″ is the most promising candidate. Directly imaging these tidally powered Jupiters would enable a direct test of high-e migration mechanisms. Once detected, the luminosity would provide a direct measurement of the migration rate, and together with mass (and possibly radius) estimate, they would serve as a laboratory to study planetary spectral formation and tidal physics.

The Kilometer-Sized Main Belt Asteroid Population as Revealed by Spitzer

astro-ph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:48:51 +0000

Multi-epoch Spitzer Space Telescope 24 micron data is utilized from the MIPSGAL and Taurus Legacy surveys to detect asteroids based on their relative motion. These infrared detections are matched to known asteroids and rotationally averaged diameters and albedos are derived using the Near Earth Asteroid Model (NEATM) in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulations for 1835 asteroids ranging in size from 0.2 to 143.6 km. A small subsample of these objects was also detected by IRAS or MSX and the single wavelength albedo and diameter fits derived from this data are within 5% of the IRAS and/or MSX derived albedos and diameters demonstrating the robustness of our technique. The mean geometric albedo of the small main belt asteroids in this sample is p_V = 0.138 with a sample standard deviation of 0.105. The albedo distribution of this sample is far more diverse than the IRAS or MSX samples. The cumulative size-frequency distribution of asteroids in the main belt at small diameters is directly derived. Completeness limits of the optical and infrared surveys are discussed.

Evidence for 9 planets in the HD 10180 system

astro-ph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:41:09 +0000

We re-analyse the HARPS radial velocities of HD 10180 and calculate the probabilities of models with differing numbers of periodic signals in the data. We test the significance of the seven signals, corresponding to seven exoplanets orbiting the star, in the Bayesian framework and perform comparisons of models with up to nine periodicities. We use posterior samplings and Bayesian model probabilities in our analyses together with suitable prior probability densities and prior model probabilities to extract all the significant signals from the data and to receive reliable uncertainties for the orbital parameters of the six, possibly seven, known exoplanets in the system. According to our results, there is evidence for up to nine planets orbiting HD 10180, which would make this this star a record holder in having more planets in its orbits than there are in the Solar system. We revise the uncertainties of the previously reported six planets in the system, verify the existence of the seventh signal, and announce the detection of two additional statistically significant signals in the data. If of planetary origin, these two additional signals would correspond to planets with minimum masses of 5.1$^{+3.1}_{-3.2}$ and 1.9$^{+1.6}_{-1.8}$ M$_{\oplus}$ on orbits with 67.55$^{+0.68}_{-0.88}$ and 9.655$^{+0.022}_{-0.072}$ days periods (denoted using the 99% credibility intervals), respectively.

Circumbinary Planet Formation in the Kepler-16 system. I. N-body Simulations

astro-ph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:37:41 +0000

The recently discovered circumbinary planets (Kepler-16 b, Kepler-34 b, Kepler-35 b) represent the first direct evidence of the viability of planet formation in circumbinary orbits. We report on the results of N-body simulations investigating planetesimal accretion in the Kepler-16 b system, focusing on the range of impact velocities under the influence of both stars’ gravitational perturbation and friction from a putative protoplanetary disk. Our results show that planet formation might be effectively inhibited for a large range in semi-major axis (1.75 < a_P < 4 AU), suggesting that the planetary core must have either migrated from outside 4 AU, or formed in situ very close to its current location.

HAT-P-34b — HAT-P-37b: Four Transiting Planets More Massive Than Jupiter Orbiting Moderately Bright Stars [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:34:39 +0000

We report the discovery of four transiting extrasolar planets (HAT-P-34b – HAT-P-37b) with masses ranging from 1.05 to 3.33 MJ and periods from 1.33 to 5.45 days. These planets orbit relatively bright F and G dwarf stars (from V = 10.16 to V = 13.2). Of particular interest is HAT-P-34b which is moderately massive (3.33 MJ), has a high eccentricity of e = 0.441 +/- 0.032 at P = 5.4526540+/-0.000016 d period, and shows hints of an outer component. The other three planets have properties that are typical of hot Jupiters.

Planet-disk interaction and orbital evolution [Replacement]

astro-ph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:33:18 +0000

As planets form and grow within gaseous protoplanetary disks, the mutual gravitational interaction between the disk and planet leads to the exchange of angular momentum, and migration of the planet. We review current understanding of disk-planet interactions, focussing in particular on physical processes that determine the speed and direction of migration. We describe the evolution of low mass planets embedded in protoplanetary disks, and examine the influence of Lindblad and corotation torques as a function of the disk properties. The role of the disk in causing the evolution of eccentricities and inclinations is also discussed. We describe the rapid migration of intermediate mass planets that may occur as a runaway process, and examine the transition to gap formation and slower migration driven by the viscous evolution of the disk for massive planets. The roles and influence of disk self-gravity and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence are discussed in detail, as a function of the planet mass, as is the evolution of multiple planet systems. Finally, we address the question of how well global models of planetary formation that include migration are able to match observations of extrasolar planets.

Optical and X-ray Transients from Planet-Star Mergers

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:53:52 +0000

We evaluate the prompt observational signatures of the merger between a massive close-in planet (a `hot Jupiter’) and its host star, events with an estimated Galactic rate of ~0.1-1/yr. Depending on the ratio of the mean density of the planet rho_p to that of the star rho_star, a merger results in three possible outcomes. If rho_p/rho_star > 5, then the planet directly plunges below the stellar atmosphere before being disrupted by tidal forces. Dissipation of orbital energy creates a hot wake behind the planet, producing a EUV/soft X-ray transient as the planet sinks below the stellar surface. The peak luminosity L_X ~ 1e36 erg/s is achieved weeks-months prior to merger, after which the stellar surface is enshrouded by an outflow. The final inspiral is accompanied by an optical transient powered by the recombination of hydrogen in the outflow, which peaks at L~1e37-38 erg/s on a timescale ~days. If instead rho_planet/rho_star < 5, then Roche Lobe overflow occurs above the stellar surface. For rho_p/rho_star < 1, mass transfer is stable, resulting the planet being accreted on a relatively slow timescale. However, for 1 < rho_p/rho_star < 5, mass transfer may instead be unstable, resulting in the planet being dynamically disrupted into an accretion disk around the star. Super-Eddington outflows from the disk power an optical transient with L~1e37-38 erg/s and characteristic duration ~week-months. The disk itself becomes visible once the accretion rate become sub-Eddington, resulting in a bolometric brightening and spectral shift to the UV. Optical transients from planet merger events may resemble classical novae, but are distinguished by lower ejecta mass and velocity ~100s km/s, and by hard pre- and post-cursor emission, respectively. Promising search strategies include combined optical, UV, and X-ray surveys of nearby massive galaxies with cadences from days to months.

Strong tidal dissipation in Saturn and constraints on Enceladus’ thermal state from astrometry

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:48:58 +0000

Tidal interactions between Saturn and its satellites play a crucial role in both the orbital migration of the satellites and the heating of their interiors. Therefore constraining the tidal dissipation of Saturn (here the ratio k2/Q) opens the door to the past evolution of the whole system. If Saturn’s tidal ratio can be determined at different frequencies, it may also be possible to constrain the giant planet’s interior structure, which is still uncertain. Here, we try to determine Saturn’s tidal ratio through its current effect on the orbits of the main moons, using astrometric data spanning more than a century. We find an intense tidal dissipation (k2/Q= (2.3 \pm 0.7) \times 10-4), which is about ten times higher than the usual value estimated from theoretical arguments. As a consequence, eccentricity equilibrium for Enceladus can now account for the huge heat emitted from Enceladus’ south pole. Moreover, the measured k2/Q is found to be poorly sensitive to the tidal frequency, on the short frequency interval considered. This suggests that Saturn’s dissipation may not be controlled by turbulent friction in the fluid envelope as commonly believed. If correct, the large tidal expansion of the moon orbits due to this strong Saturnian dissipation would be inconsistent with the moon formations 4.5 Byr ago above the synchronous orbit in the Saturnian subnebulae. But it would be compatible with a new model of satellite formation in which the Saturnian satellites formed possibly over longer time scale at the outer edge of the main rings. In an attempt to take into account for possible significant torques exerted by the rings on Mimas, we fitted a constant rate da/dt on Mimas semi-major axis, also. We obtained an unexpected large acceleration related to a negative value of da/dt= -(15.7 \pm 4.4) \times 10-15 au/day.

"TNOs are Cool": A survey of the trans-Neptunian region — VII. Size and surface characteristics of (90377) Sedna and 2010 EK139

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:48:42 +0000

We present estimates of the basic physical properties (size and albedo) of (90377) Sedna, a prominent member of the detached trans-Neptunian object population and the recently discovered scattered disk object 2010 EK139, based on the recent observations acquired with the Herschel Space Observatory, within the “TNOs are Cool!” key programme. Our modeling of the thermal measurements shows that both objects have larger albedos and smaller sizes than the previous expectations, thus their surfaces might be covered by ices in a significantly larger fraction. The derived diameter of Sedna and 2010 EK139 are 995 +/- 80 km and 470 +35/-10 km, while the respective geometric albedos are pV 0.32 +/- 0.06 and 0.25 +0.02/-0.05. These estimates are based on thermophysical model techniques.

Traditional formation scenarios fail to explain 4:3 mean motion resonances

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:42:29 +0000

At least two multi-planetary systems in a 4:3 mean motion resonance have been found by radial velocity surveys. These planets are gas giants and only stable when protected by a resonance. Additionally the Kepler mission has detected at least 4 strong candidate planetary systems with a period ratio close to 4:3. This paper investigates traditional dynamical scenarios for the formation of these systems. We systematically study migration scenarios with both N-body and hydro-dynamic simulations. We investigate scenarios involving the in-situ formation of two planets in resonance. We look at the results from finely tuned planet-planet scattering simulations with gas disk damping. Finally, we investigate a formation scenario involving isolation-mass embryos. Although the combined planet-planet scattering and damping scenario seems promising, none of the above scenarios is successful in forming enough systems in 4:3 resonance with planetary masses similar to the observed ones. This is a negative result but it has important implications for planet formation. Previous studies were successful in forming 2:1 and 3:2 resonances. This is generally believed to be evidence of planet migration. We highlight the main differences between those studies and our failure in forming a 4:3 resonance. We also speculate on more exotic and complicated ideas. These results will guide future investigators toward exploring the above scenarios and alternative mechanisms in a more general framework.

Using Satellites to Probe Extrasolar Planet Formation

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:41:32 +0000

Planetary satellites are an integral part of the heirarchy of planetary systems. Here we make two predictions concerning their formation. First, primordial satellites, which have an array of distinguishing characteristics, form only around giant planets. If true, the size and duration of a planetary system’s protostellar nebula, as well as the location of its snow line, can be constrained by knowing which of its planets possess primordial satellites and which do not. Second, all satellites around terrestrial planets form by impacts. If true, this greatly enhances the constraints that can be placed on the history of terrestrial planets by their satellites’ compositions, sizes, and dynamics.

The roles of charge exchange and dissociation in spreading Saturn’s neutral clouds [Cross-Listing]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:41:05 +0000

Neutrals sourced directly from Enceladus’s plumes are initially confined to a dense neutral torus in Enceladus’s orbit around Saturn. This neutral torus is redistributed by charge exchange, impact/photodissociation, and neutral-neutral collisions to produce Saturn’s neutral clouds. Here we consider the former processes in greater detail than in previous studies. In the case of dissociation, models have assumed that OH is produced with a single speed of 1 km/s, whereas laboratory measurements suggest a range of speeds between 1 and 1.6 km/s. We show that the high-speed case increases dissociation’s range of influence from 9 to 15 Rs. For charge exchange, we present a new modeling approach, where the ions are followed within a neutral background, whereas neutral cloud models are conventionally constructed from the neutrals’ point of view. This approach allows us to comment on the significance of the ions’ gyrophase at the moment charge exchange occurs. Accounting for gyrophase: (1) has no consequence on the H2O cloud; (2) doubles the local density of OH at the orbit of Enceladus; and (3) decreases the oxygen densities at Enceladus’s orbit by less than 10%. Finally, we consider velocity-dependent, as well as species-dependent cross sections and find that the oxygen cloud produced from charge exchange is spread out more than H2O, whereas the OH cloud is the most confined.

A New Disintegrative Capture Theory for the Origin of the Moon

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:40:24 +0000

The object that resulted in the creation of the Moon started in the same orbital path as Earth around the Sun, but at Earth’s L4. This proto-Moon (PM) was 4 times less massive than the usual Giant Impact (GI) object “Theia” and was captured into Earth orbit. It had a 32% Iron-Nickel-Sulfur core supporting a dynamo, which explains magnetized lunar rocks. Following capture, it was torn apart by tidal forces and its core of iron plastered itself, with some of its rock mantle, on the surface of Earth at a very flat angle (producing the “Late Veneer”). After tidal stripping, the remaining PM rock was driven away from Earth to about 3.8 times Earth’s radius and formed into what is now the Moon. The GI theory has several troubles: The violent collision melts the entire Earth, contrary to geological evidence. The Moon itself also has to condense out of the vapor cloud generated in the collision, but there is evidence that the Moon was not condensed out of vapor. In the new theory, the Moon as we know it may be only 3.8 – 3.9 billion years old, not 4.26 as usually assumed. That is the age of the PM. The minerals in the Moon would be about as old as the Earth, but would have been re-arranged in the capture and temporary disintegration process. If the Moon is as young as suggested, its origin would coincide with the beginning of life on Earth, which is unexplained in the GI theory. The manuscript asks, “Was the Moon Turned Inside-Out” and the answer is “Essentially, Yes.”

Orbital effects of the time-dependent component of the Pioneer anomaly [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:37:52 +0000

We work out the impact that the recently determined time-dependent component of the Pioneer Anomaly (PA), interpreted as an additional exotic acceleration of gravitational origin with respect to the well known PA-like constant one, may have on the orbital motions of some planets of the solar system. By assuming that it points towards the Sun, it turns out that both the semi-major axis a and the eccentricity e of the orbit of a test particle experience secular variations. For Saturn and Uranus, for which modern data records cover at least one full orbital revolution, such predicted anomalies are up to 2-3 orders of magnitude larger than the present-day accuracies in empirical determinations their orbital parameters from the usual orbit determination procedures in which the PA was not modeled. Given the predicted huge sizes of such hypothetical signatures, it is unlikely that their absence from the presently available processed data can be attributable to an “absorption” for them in the estimated parameters caused by the fact that they were not explicitly modeled. The magnitude of a constant PA-type acceleration at 9.5 au cannot be larger than 9 10^-15 m s^-2 according to the latest observational results for the perihelion precession of Saturn.

How terrestrial planets traverse spin-orbit resonances: A camel goes through a needle’s eye [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:37:05 +0000

The dynamical evolution of terrestrial planets resembling Mercury in the vicinity of spin-orbit resonances is investigated using comprehensive harmonic expansions of the tidal torque taking into account the frequency-dependent quality factors and Love numbers. The torque equations are integrated numerically with a small step in time, includng the oscillating triaxial torque components but neglecting the layered structure of the planet and assuming a zero obliquity. We find that a Mercury-like planet with its current value of orbital eccentricity (0.2056) is always captured in the 3:2 resonance. The probability of capture in the higher 2:1 resonance is approximately 0.23. These results are confirmed by a semi-analytical estimation of capture probabilities as functions of eccentricity for both prograde and retrograde evolution of spin rate. As follows from analysis of equilibrium torques, entrapment in the 3:2 resonance is inevitable at eccentricities between 0.2 and 0.41. Considering the phase space parameters at the times of periastron, the range of spin rates and phase angles, for which an immediate resonance passage is triggered, is very narrow, and yet, a planet like Mercury rarely fails to align itself into this state of unstable equilibrium before it traverses the 2:1 resonance.

Demonstration of On-Sky Calibration of Astronomical Spectra using a 25 GHz near-IR Laser Frequency Comb [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:35:28 +0000

We describe and characterize a 25 GHz laser frequency comb based on a cavity-filtered erbium fiber mode-locked laser. The comb provides a uniform array of optical frequencies spanning 1450 nm to 1700 nm, and is stabilized by use of a global positioning system referenced atomic clock. This comb was deployed at the 9.2 m Hobby-Eberly telescope at the McDonald Observatory where it was used as a radial velocity calibration source for the fiber-fed Pathfinder near-infrared spectrograph. Stellar targets were observed in three echelle orders over four nights, and radial velocity precision of \sim10 m/s (\sim6 MHz) was achieved from the comb-calibrated spectra.

Treating gravity in thin disk simulations [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:35:17 +0000

In 2D simulations of thin gaseous disks with embedded planets or self-gravity the gravitational potential needs to be smoothed to avoid singularities in the numerical evaluation of the gravitational potential or force. In order to correctly resemble the realistic case of vertically extended 3D disks the softening prescription used in 2D needs to be adjusted properly. In this paper we analyze the embedded planet and the self-gravity case and provide a method to evaluate the required smoothing in 2D simulations of thin disks. Starting from the averaged hydrodynamic equations and using a vertically isothermal disk model, we calculate the force. We compare our results to the often used Plummer form of the potential which runs as \propto 1/(r^2+\epsilon^2)^{1/2}. For that purpose we compute the required smoothing length \epsilon as a function of distance r to the planet or to a disk element within a self-gravitating disk. We find that for larger distances \epsilon is determined solely by the vertical disk thickness H. For the planet case we find that outside r\simH a value of \epsilon = 0.7H describes the averaged force very well, while in the self-gravitating disk the value needs to be larger, \epsilon = 1.2H. For smaller distances the smoothing needs to be reduced significantly. Comparing torque densities of 3D and 2D simulations we show that the modification to the vertical density stratification as induced by an embedded planet needs to be taken into account to obtain agreeing results. In disk fragmentation simulations the choice of \epsilon can determine whether a disk will fragment or not. Because a wrong smoothing length can change even the direction of migration, it is very important to include the effect of the planet on the local scale height in 2D planet-disk simulations. We provide an approximate and fast method for this purpose which gives very good agreement to full 3D simulations.

Presolar Grains from Novae: Evidence from Neon and Helium Isotopes in Comet Dust Collections [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:32:29 +0000

Presolar grains in meteorites and interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) carry non-solar isotopic signatures pointing to origins in supernovae, giant stars, and possibly other stellar sources. There have been suggestions that some of these grains condensed in the ejecta of classical nova outbursts, but the evidence is ambiguous. We report neon and helium compositions in particles captured on stratospheric collectors flown to sample materials from comets 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup and 55P/Tempel-Tuttle that point to condensation of their gas carriers in the ejecta of a neon (ONe) nova. The absence of detectable 3He in these particles indicates space exposure to solar wind (SW) irradiation of a few decades at most, consistent with origins in cometary dust streams. Measured 4He/20Ne, 20Ne/22Ne, 21Ne/22Ne and 20Ne/21Ne isotope ratios, and a low upper limit on 3He/4He, are in accord with calculations of nucleosynthesis in neon nova outbursts. Of these, the uniquely low 4He/20Ne and high 20Ne/22Ne ratios are the most diagnostic, reflecting the large predicted 20Ne abundances in the ejecta of such novae. The correspondence of measured Ne and He compositions in cometary matter with theoretical predictions is evidence for the presence of presolar grains from novae in the early solar system.

Constraints on Galileon-induced precessions from solar system orbital motions [Replacement]

astro-ph — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:31:06 +0000

Lightcurve Survey of V-type Asteroids. I. Observations until Spring 2004

astro-ph — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:49:39 +0000

To examine the distribution of rotational rates for chips of asteroid 4 Vesta, lightcurve observation of seven V-type asteroids (2511 Patterson, 2640 Hallstorm, 2653 Principia, 2795 Lapage, 3307 Athabasca, 4147 Lennon, and 4977 Rauthgundis) were performed from fall 2003 to spring 2004. Distribution of spin rates of V-type main-belt asteroids from the past and our observations have three peaks. This result implies that age of catastrophic impact making Vesta family may be not as young as Karin and Iannini families but as old as Eos and Koronis families.

On the Formation Age of the First Planetary System

astro-ph — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:46:00 +0000

Recently, it has been observed the extreme metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo, which must be formed just after Pop III objects. On the other hand, the first gas clouds of mass $\sim 10^6 M_{\odot}$ are supposed to be formed at $ z \sim $ 10, 20, and 30 for the $1\sigma$, $2\sigma $ and $3\sigma$, where the density perturbations are assumed of the standard $\Lambda$CDM cosmology. If we could apply this gaussian distribution to the extreme small probability, the gas clouds would be formed at $ z \sim $40, 60, and 80 for the $4\sigma$, $6\sigma$, and $8\sigma$. The first gas clouds within our galaxy must be formed around $z\sim 40$. Even if the gas cloud is metal poor, there is a lot of possibility to form the planets around such stars. The first planetary systems could be formed within $\sim 6\times 10^7$ years after the Big Bang in the universe. Even in our galaxies, it could be formed within $\sim 1.7\times 10^8$ years. It is interesting to wait the observations of planets around metal-poor stars. For the panspermia theory, the origin of life could be expected in such systems.

"TNOs are Cool": A survey of the trans-Neptunian region VI. Herschel/PACS observations and thermal modeling of 19 classical Kuiper belt objects

astro-ph — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:44:06 +0000

Trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) represent the leftovers of the formation of the Solar System. Their physical properties provide constraints to the models of formation and evolution of the various dynamical classes of objects in the outer Solar System. Based on a sample of 19 classical TNOs we determine radiometric sizes, geometric albedos and beaming parameters. Our sample is composed of both dynamically hot and cold classicals. We study the correlations of diameter and albedo of these two subsamples with each other and with orbital parameters, spectral slopes and colors. We have done three-band photometric observations with Herschel/PACS and we use a consistent method for data reduction and aperture photometry of this sample to obtain monochromatic flux densities at 70.0, 100.0 and 160.0 \mu m. Additionally, we use Spitzer/MIPS flux densities at 23.68 and 71.42 \mu m when available, and we present new Spitzer flux densities of eight targets. We derive diameters and albedos with the near-Earth asteroid thermal model (NEATM). As auxiliary data we use reexamined absolute visual magnitudes from the literature and data bases, part of which have been obtained by ground based programs in support of our Herschel key program. We have determined for the first time radiometric sizes and albedos of eight classical TNOs, and refined previous size and albedo estimates or limits of 11 other classicals. The new size estimates of 2002 MS4 and 120347 Salacia indicate that they are among the 10 largest TNOs known. Our new results confirm the recent findings that there are very diverse albedos among the classical TNOs and that cold classicals possess a high average albedo (0.17 +/- 0.04). Diameters of classical TNOs strongly correlate with orbital inclination in our sample. We also determine the bulk densities of six binary TNOs.

Chondrule Formation in Bow Shocks around Eccentric Planetary Embryos

astro-ph — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:39:43 +0000

Recent isotopic studies of Martian meteorites by Dauphas & Pourmond (2011) have established that large (~ 3000 km radius) planetary embryos existed in the solar nebula at the same time that chondrules – millimeter-sized igneous inclusions found in meteorites – were forming. We model the formation of chondrules by passage through bow shocks around such a planetary embryo on an eccentric orbit. We numerically model the hydrodynamics of the flow, and find that such large bodies retain an atmosphere, with Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities allowing mixing of this atmosphere with the gas and particles flowing past the embryo. We calculate the trajectories of chondrules flowing past the body, and find that they are not accreted by the protoplanet, but may instead flow through volatiles outgassed from the planet’s magma ocean. In contrast, chondrules are accreted onto smaller planetesimals. We calculate the thermal histories of chondrules passing through the bow shock. We find that peak temperatures and cooling rates are consistent with the formation of the dominant, porphyritic texture of most chondrules, assuming a modest enhancement above the likely solar nebula average value of chondrule densities (by a factor of 10), attributable to settling of chondrule precursors to the midplane of the disk or turbulent concentration. We calculate the rate at which a planetary embryo’s eccentricity is damped and conclude that a single planetary embryo scattered into an eccentric orbit can, over ~ 10e5 years, produce ~ 10e24 g of chondrules. In principle, a small number (1-10) of eccentric planetary embryos can melt the observed mass of chondrules in a manner consistent with all known constraints.