Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10773/15060
Title: Detecting ring systems around exoplanets using high resolution spectroscopy: the case of 51 Pegasi b
Author: Santos, N. C.
Martins, J. H. C.
Boue, G.
Correia, A. C. M.
Oshagh, M.
Figueira, P.
Santerne, A.
Sousa, S. G.
Melo, C.
Montalto, M.
Boisse, I.
Ehrenreich, D.
Lovis, C.
Pepe, F.
Udry, S.
Munoz, A. Garcia
Keywords: Techniques - spectroscopic
Planets and satellites - dynamical evolution and stability
Planets and satellites - rings
Planetary systems
Issue Date: Nov-2015
Publisher: EDP Sciences, ESO
Abstract: Aims. In this paper we explore the possibility that the recently detected reflected light signal of 51 Peg b could be caused by a ring system around the planet. Methods. We use a simple model to compare the observed signal with the expected signal from a short-period giant planet with rings. We also use simple dynamical arguments to understand the possible geometry of such a system. Results. We provide evidence that, to a good approximation, the observations are compatible with the signal expected from a ringed planet, assuming that the rings are non-coplanar with the orbital plane. However, based on dynamical arguments, we also show that this configuration is unlikely. In the case of coplanar rings we then demonstrate that the incident flux on the ring surface is about 2% the value received by the planet, a value that renders the ring explanation unlikely. Conclusions. The results suggest that the signal observed cannot in principle be explained by a planet+ring system. We discuss, however, the possibility of using reflected light spectra to detect and characterize the presence of rings around short-period planets. Finally, we show that ring systems could have already been detected by photometric transit campaigns, but their signal could have been easily misinterpreted by the expected light curve of an eclipsing binary.
Peer review: yes
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10773/15060
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201526673
ISSN: 1432-0746
Appears in Collections:CIDMA - Artigos
DFis - Artigos
GGDG - Artigos

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