A Featureless Infrared Transmission Spectrum for the Super-Puff Planet Kepler-79d

Yayaati Chachan, Hannah R. Wakeford, Ian Wong, et al.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

Abstract

Extremely low density planets ('super-puffs') are a small but intriguing subset of the transiting planet population. With masses in the super-Earth range ($1-10$ M$_{\oplus}$) and radii akin to those of giant planets ($>4$ R$_{\oplus}$), their large envelopes may have been accreted beyond the water snow line and many appear to be susceptible to catastrophic mass loss. Both the presence of water and the importance of mass loss can be explored using transmission spectroscopy. Here, we present new HST WFC3 spectroscopy and updated Kepler transit depth measurements for the super-puff Kepler-79d. We do not detect any molecular absorption features in the $1.1-1.7$ $\mu$m WFC3 bandpass and the combination of Kepler and WFC3 data are consistent with a flat line model, indicating the presence of aerosols in the atmosphere. We compare the shape of Kepler-79d's transmission spectrum to predictions from a microphysical haze model that incorporates an outward particle flux due to ongoing mass loss. We find that photochemical hazes offer an attractive explanation for the observed properties of super-puffs like Kepler-79d, as they simultaneously render the near-infrared spectrum featureless and reduce the inferred envelope mass loss rate by moving the measured radius (optical depth unity surface during transit) to lower pressures. We revisit the broader question of mass loss rates for super-puffs and find that the age estimates and mass loss rates for the majority of super-puffs can be reconciled if hazes move the photosphere from the typically assumed pressure of $\sim 10$ mbar to $\sim 10 \; \mu$bar.
Original languageEnglish
Article number201
Number of pages19
JournalAstronomical Journal
Volume160
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2020

Bibliographical note

Awaiting publication in AJ. Small updates in Table 6 and Fig 11. Table 3 and 6 will be provided in MRT format upon publication

Keywords

  • exoplanet atmospheres
  • exoplanet evolution
  • exoplanets

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