A precise estimate of the radius of the exoplanet HD 149026b from spitzer photometry

  • Philip Nutzman
  • , David Charbonneau
  • , Joshua N. Winn
  • , Heather A. Knutson
  • , Jonathan J. Fortney
  • , Matthew J. Holman
  • , Eric Agol

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present Spitzer 8 μm transit observations of the extrasolar planet HD 149026b. At this wavelength, transit light curves are weakly affected by stellar limb darkening, allowing for a simpler and more accurate determination of planetary parameters. We measure a planet-star radius ratio of Rp /R* = 0.05158 ± 0.00077, and in combination with ground-based data and independent constraints on the stellar mass and radius, we derive an orbital inclination i = 85°.4+0°.9-0°.8 of and a planet radius of Rp = 0.755 ± 0.040 RJ. These measurements further support models in which the planet is greatly enriched in heavy elements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)229-235
Number of pages7
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume692
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 10 2009
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • planetary systems
  • techniques: photometric

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