Validation of a temperate fourth planet in the K2-133 multiplanet system
Abstract
We present follow-up observations of the K2-133 multiplanet system. Previously, we announced that K2-133 contained three super-Earths orbiting an M1.5V host star - with tentative evidence of a fourth outer-planet orbiting at the edge of the temperate zone. Here, we report on the validation of the presence of the fourth planet, determining a radius of 1.73_{-0.13}^{+0.14} R⊕. The four planets span the radius gap of the exoplanet population, meaning further follow-up would be worthwhile to obtain masses and test theories of the origin of the gap. In particular, the trend of increasing planetary radius with decreasing incident flux in the K2-133 system supports the claim that the gap is caused by photo-evaporation of exoplanet atmospheres. Finally, we note that K2-133 e orbits on the edge of the star's temperate zone, and that our radius measurement allows for the possibility that this is a rocky world. Additional mass measurements are required to confirm or refute this scenario.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- August 2019
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1905.05206
- Bibcode:
- 2019MNRAS.487.1865W
- Keywords:
-
- techniques: photometric;
- planets and satellites: general;
- stars: individual: LP 358-499;
- stars: individual: K2-133;
- stars: low-mass;
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication in MNRAS