What can ultra-hot Jupiter exoplanets teach astronomers about planetary formation and evolution? This is what a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal hopes to address as a team of scientists an ultra-hot Jupiter that is the shortest period ultra-hot Jupiter found to date. This study has the potential to help scientists better understand the formation and evolution of exoplanets and what this could mean to find life beyond Earth.
The exoplanet is TOI-2109b, which is located approximately 870 light-years from Earth and orbits its star in only 16 hours. For context, the planet Mercury orbits our Sun in 88 days. TOI-2109b was discovered in 2021 and astronomers used a variety of ground-based telescopes, space-based telescopes, and computer models to discover that TOI-2109b’s orbit could be decaying, meaning it will eventually be swallowed by its star.
Dr. Jaime A. Alvarado-Montes, who is a Research Fellow at Macquarie University and lead author of the study said, "This planet and its interesting situation could help us figure out some mysterious astronomical phenomena that so far we really don't have much evidence to explain. It could tell us the story of many other solar systems."
As noted, ultra-hot Jupiters orbit their stars incredibly close, often resulting in unique orbital configurations of atmospheric stripping due to the extreme temperatures. Additionally, this study notes how TOI-2109b’s 16-hour orbital period could cause unique interactions with its star from the extreme tidal forces. Therefore, studies like this could enable astronomers to gain greater insights into planetary formation and evolution, along with planet-star interactions throughout the cosmos.
How will TOI-2109b help astronomers better understand exoplanet formation and evolution in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: The Astrophysical Journal, The Astronomical Journal, EurekAlert!
Featured Illustration Credit: NASA, ESA and G. Bacon
