H-atmospheres of Icy Super-Earths Formed In Situ in the Outer Solar System: An Application to a Possible Planet Nine
Abstract
We examine the possibility that icy super-Earth mass planets, formed over long timescales (0.1-1 Gyr) at large distances (∼200-1000 au) from their host stars, will develop massive H-rich atmospheres. Within the interior of these planets, high pressure converts CH4 into ethane, butane, or diamond and releases H2. Using simplified models that capture the basic physics of the internal structure, we show that the physical properties of the atmosphere depend on the outflux of H2 from the mantle. When this outflux is ≲ {10}10 molec cm-2 s-1, the outgassed atmosphere has a base pressure of ≲1 bar. Larger outflows result in a substantial atmosphere where the base pressure may approach 103-104 bar. For any pressure, the mean density of these planets, 2.4-3 g cm-3, is much larger than the mean density of Uranus and Neptune, 1.3-1.6 g cm-3. Thus, observations can distinguish between a Planet Nine with a primordial H/He-rich atmosphere accreted from the protosolar nebula and one with an atmosphere outgassed from the core.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 2017
- DOI:
- 10.3847/1538-4357/aa6ba6
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1704.00400
- Bibcode:
- 2017ApJ...839..111L
- Keywords:
-
- planets and satellites: atmospheres;
- planets and satellites: composition;
- planets and satellites: formation;
- planets and satellites: interiors;
- planets and satellites: tectonics;
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 32 pages, 11 figures, accepted to ApJ