arXiv subjects

J. H. Livingston

Publications and source records attributed to J. H. Livingston.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs. Revisiting the GJ 317, GJ 463, and GJ 3512 systems and two newly discovered planets orbiting GJ 9773 and GJ 508.2

Surveys for exoplanets indicate that the occurrence rate of gas giant planets orbiting late-type stars in orbits with periods shorter than 1000 days is lower than in the case of Sun-like stars. This is in agreement with planet formation models based on the core or pebble accretion paradigm. The CARMENES exoplanet survey has been conducting radial-velocity observations of several targets that show long-period trends or modulations that are consistent with the presence of giant planets at large orbital separations. We present an analysis of five such systems that were monitored with the CARMENES spectrograph, as well as with the IRD spectrograph. In addition, we used archival data to improve the orbital parameters of the planetary systems. We improve the parameters of three previously known planets orbiting the M dwarfs GJ 317, GJ 463, and GJ 3512. We also determine the orbital parameters and minimum mass of the planet GJ 3512 c, for which only lower limits had been given previously. Furthermore, we present the discovery of two new giant planets orbiting the stars GJ 9733 and GJ 508.2, although for the second one only lower limits to the orbital properties can be determined. The new planet discoveries add to the short list of known giant planets orbiting M-dwarf stars with subsolar metallicity at long orbital periods above 2000 days. These results reveal that giant planets appear to form more frequently in wide orbits than in close-in orbits around low-mass and lower metallicity stars.

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arXiv2025

TOI-2015b: a sub-Neptune in strong gravitational interaction with an outer non-transiting planet

TOI-2015 is a known exoplanetary system around an M4 dwarf star, consisting of a transiting sub-Neptune planet in a 3.35-day orbital period, TOI-2015b, accompanied by a non-transiting companion, TOI-2015c. High-precision RV measurements were taken with the MAROON-X spectrograph, and high-precision photometric data were collected several networks. We re-characterize the target star by combining optical spectr, Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) and Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) analysis. The TOI-2015 host star is a K=10.3mag M4-type dwarf with a sub-solar metallicity of [Fe/H]=-0.31+/-0.16, and a Teff=3200K. Our photodynamical analysis of the system strongly favors the 5:3 mean motion resonance and in this scenario the planet b has an orbital period of 3.34days, a mass of Mp=9.02+/-0.34Me, a radius of Rp=3.309+/-0.012Re, resulting in a density of rhop= 1.40+/-0.06g/cm3, indicative of a Neptune like composition. Its transits exhibit large (>1hr) timing variations indicative of an outer perturber in the system. We performed a global analysis of the high-resolution RV measurements, the photometric data, and the TTVs, and inferred that TOI-2015 hosts a second planet, TOI-2015c, in a non-transiting configuration. TOI-2015c has an orbital period of Pc=5.583days and a mass of Mp=8.91+0.38-0.40Me. The dynamical configuration of TOI-2015b and TOI-2015c can be used to constrain the system's planetary formation and migration history. Based on the mass-radius composition models, TOI-2015b is a water-rich or rocky planet with a hydrogen-helium envelope. Moreover, TOI-2015b has a high transmission spectroscopic metric (TSM=149), making it a favorable target for future transmission spectroscopic observations with JWST to constrain the atmospheric composition of the planet. Such observations would also help to break the degeneracies in theoretical models of the planet's interior structure.

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arXiv2024

Validation of up to seven TESS planet candidates through multi-colour transit photometry using MuSCAT2 data

The TESS mission searches for transiting exoplanets by monitoring the brightness of hundreds of thousands of stars across the entire sky. M-type planet hosts are ideal targets for this mission due to their smaller size and cooler temperatures, which makes it easier to detect smaller planets near or within their habitable zones. Additionally, M~dwarfs have a smaller contrast ratio between the planet and the star, making it easier to measure the planet's properties accurately. Here, we report the validation analysis of 13 TESS exoplanet candidates orbiting around M dwarfs. We studied the nature of these candidates through a multi-colour transit photometry transit analysis using several ground-based instruments (MuSCAT2, MuSCAT3, and LCO-SINISTRO), high-spatial resolution observations, and TESS light curves. We present the validation of five new planetary systems: TOI-1883b, TOI-2274b, TOI2768b, TOI-4438b, and TOI-5319b, along with compelling evidence of a planetary nature for TOIs 2781b and 5486b. We also present an empirical definition for the Neptune desert boundaries. The remaining six systems could not be validated due to large true radius values overlapping with the brown dwarf regime or, alternatively, the presence of chromaticity in the MuSCAT2 light curves.

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arXiv2024

TOI-757 b: an eccentric transiting mini-Neptune on a 17.5-d orbit

We report the spectroscopic confirmation and fundamental properties of TOI-757 b, a mini-Neptune on a 17.5-day orbit transiting a bright star ($V = 9.7$ mag) discovered by the TESS mission. We acquired high-precision radial velocity measurements with the HARPS, ESPRESSO, and PFS spectrographs to confirm the planet detection and determine its mass. We also acquired space-borne transit photometry with the CHEOPS space telescope to place stronger constraints on the planet radius, supported with ground-based LCOGT photometry. WASP and KELT photometry were used to help constrain the stellar rotation period. We also determined the fundamental parameters of the host star. We find that TOI-757 b has a radius of $R_{\mathrm{p}} = 2.5 \pm 0.1 R_{\oplus}$ and a mass of $M_{\mathrm{p}} = 10.5^{+2.2}_{-2.1} M_{\oplus}$, implying a bulk density of $ρ_{\text{p}} = 3.6 \pm 0.8$ g cm$^{-3}$. Our internal composition modeling was unable to constrain the composition of TOI-757 b, highlighting the importance of atmospheric observations for the system. We also find the planet to be highly eccentric with $e$ = 0.39$^{+0.08}_{-0.07}$, making it one of the very few highly eccentric planets among precisely characterized mini-Neptunes. Based on comparisons to other similar eccentric systems, we find a likely scenario for TOI-757 b's formation to be high eccentricity migration due to a distant outer companion. We additionally propose the possibility of a more intrinsic explanation for the high eccentricity due to star-star interactions during the earlier epoch of the Galactic disk formation, given the low metallicity and older age of TOI-757.

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arXiv2024

Three super-Earths and a possible water world from TESS and ESPRESSO

Since 2018, the ESPRESSO spectrograph at the VLT has been hunting for planets in the Southern skies via the RV method. One of its goals is to follow up candidate planets from transit surveys such as the TESS mission, particularly small planets. We analyzed photometry from TESS and ground-based facilities, high-resolution imaging, and RVs from ESPRESSO, HARPS, and HIRES, to confirm and characterize three new planets: TOI-260 b, transiting a late K-dwarf, and TOI-286 b and c, orbiting an early K-dwarf. We also update parameters for the known super-Earth TOI-134 b , hosted by an M-dwarf. TOI-260 b has a $13.475853^{+0.000013}_{-0.000011}$ d period, $4.23 \pm1.60 \mathrm{M_\oplus}$ mass and $1.71\pm0.08\mathrm{R_\oplus}$ radius. For TOI-286 b we find a $4.5117244^{+0.0000031}_{-0.0000027}$ d period, $4.53\pm0.78\mathrm{M_\oplus}$ mass and $1.42\pm0.10\mathrm{R_\oplus}$ radius; for TOI-286 c, a $39.361826^{+0.000070}_{-0.000081}$ d period, $3.72\pm2.22\mathrm{M_\oplus}$ mass and $1.88\pm 0.12\mathrm{R_\oplus}$ radius. For TOI-134 b we obtain a $1.40152604^{+0.00000074}_{-0.00000082}$ d period, $4.07\pm0.45\mathrm{M_\oplus}$ mass, and $1.63\pm0.14\mathrm{R_\oplus}$ radius. Circular models are preferred for all, although for TOI-260 b the eccentricity is not well-constrained. We compute bulk densities and place the planets in the context of composition models. TOI-260 b lies within the radius valley, and is most likely a rocky planet. However, the uncertainty on the eccentricity and thus on the mass renders its composition hard to determine. TOI-286 b and c span the radius valley, with TOI-286 b lying below it and having a likely rocky composition, while TOI-286 c is within the valley, close to the upper border, and probably has a significant water fraction. With our updated parameters for TOI-134 b, we obtain a lower density than previous findings, giving a rocky or Earth-like composition.

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arXiv2024

Gliese 12 b: A temperate Earth-sized planet at 12 pc ideal for atmospheric transmission spectroscopy

Recent discoveries of Earth-sized planets transiting nearby M dwarfs have made it possible to characterize the atmospheres of terrestrial planets via follow-up spectroscopic observations. However, the number of such planets receiving low insolation is still small, limiting our ability to understand the diversity of the atmospheric composition and climates of temperate terrestrial planets. We report the discovery of an Earth-sized planet transiting the nearby (12 pc) inactive M3.0 dwarf Gliese 12 (TOI-6251) with an orbital period ($P_{\rm{orb}}$) of 12.76 days. The planet, Gliese 12b, was initially identified as a candidate with an ambiguous $P_{\rm{orb}}$ from TESS data. We confirmed the transit signal and $P_{\rm{orb}}$ using ground-based photometry with MuSCAT2 and MuSCAT3, and validated the planetary nature of the signal using high-resolution images from Gemini/NIRI and Keck/NIRC2 as well as radial velocity (RV) measurements from the InfraRed Doppler instrument on the Subaru 8.2 m telescope and from CARMENES on the CAHA 3.5 m telescope. X-ray observations with XMM-Newton showed the host star is inactive, with an X-ray-to-bolometric luminosity ratio of $\log L_{\rm X}/L_{\rm bol} \approx -5.7$. Joint analysis of the light curves and RV measurements revealed that Gliese 12b has a radius of 0.96 $\pm$ 0.05 $R_\oplus$, a 3$σ$ mass upper limit of 3.9 $M_\oplus$, and an equilibrium temperature of 315 $\pm$ 6 K assuming zero albedo. The transmission spectroscopy metric (TSM) value of Gliese 12b is close to the TSM values of the TRAPPIST-1 planets, adding Gliese 12b to the small list of potentially terrestrial, temperate planets amenable to atmospheric characterization with JWST.

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arXiv2024

The Discovery and Follow-up of Four Transiting Short-period Sub-Neptunes Orbiting M dwarfs

Sub-Neptunes with $2-3R_\oplus$ are intermediate in size between rocky planets and Neptune-sized planets. The orbital properties and bulk compositions of transiting sub-Neptunes provide clues to the formation and evolution of close-in small planets. In this paper, we present the discovery and follow-up of four sub-Neptunes orbiting M dwarfs (TOI-782, TOI-1448, TOI-2120, and TOI-2406), three of which were newly validated by ground-based follow-up observations and statistical analyses. TOI-782 b, TOI-1448 b, TOI-2120 b, and TOI-2406 b have radii of $R_\mathrm{p} = 2.740^{+0.082}_{-0.079}\,R_\oplus$, $2.769^{+0.073}_{-0.068}\,R_\oplus$, $2.120\pm0.067\,R_\oplus$, and $2.830^{+0.068}_{-0.066}\,R_\oplus$ and orbital periods of $P = 8.02$, $8.11$, $5.80$, and $3.08$\,days, respectively. Doppler monitoring with Subaru/InfraRed Doppler instrument led to 2$σ$ upper limits on the masses of $<19.1\ M_\oplus$, $<19.5\ M_\oplus$, $<6.8\ M_\oplus$, and $<15.6\ M_\oplus$ for TOI-782 b, TOI-1448 b, TOI-2120 b, and TOI-2406 b, respectively. The mass-radius relationship of these four sub-Neptunes testifies to the existence of volatile material in their interiors. These four sub-Neptunes, which are located above the so-called ``radius valley'', are likely to retain a significant atmosphere and/or an icy mantle on the core, such as a water world. We find that at least three of the four sub-Neptunes (TOI-782 b, TOI-2120 b, and TOI-2406 b) orbiting M dwarfs older than 1 Gyr, are likely to have eccentricities of $e \sim 0.2-0.3$. The fact that tidal circularization of their orbits is not achieved over 1 Gyr suggests inefficient tidal dissipation in their interiors.

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arXiv2024

TOI-2266 b: a keystone super-Earth at the edge of the M dwarf radius valley

We validate the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) object of interest TOI-2266.01 (TIC 348911) as a small transiting planet (most likely a super-Earth) orbiting a faint M5 dwarf ($V=16.54$) on a 2.33~d orbit. The validation is based on an approach where multicolour transit light curves are used to robustly estimate the upper limit of the transiting object's radius. Our analysis uses SPOC-pipeline TESS light curves from Sectors 24, 25, 51, and 52, simultaneous multicolour transit photometry observed with MuSCAT2, MuSCAT3, and HiPERCAM, and additional transit photometry observed with the LCOGT telescopes. TOI-2266 b is found to be a planet with a radius of $1.54\pm\0.09\,R_\oplus$, which locates it at the edge of the transition zone between rocky planets, water-rich planets, and sub-Neptunes (the so-called M~dwarf radius valley). The planet is amenable to ground-based radial velocity mass measurement with red-sensitive spectrographs installed in large telescopes, such as MAROON-X and Keck Planet Finder (KPF), which makes it a valuable addition to a relatively small population of planets that can be used to probe the physics of the transition zone. Further, the planet's orbital period of 2.33 days places it inside a `keystone planet' wedge in the period-radius plane where competing planet formation scenarios make conflicting predictions on how the radius valley depends on the orbital period. This makes the planet also a welcome addition to the small population of planets that can be used to test small-planet formation scenarios around M~dwarfs.

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arXiv2023

A resonant sextuplet of sub-Neptunes transiting the bright star HD 110067

Planets with radii between that of the Earth and Neptune (hereafter referred to as sub-Neptunes) are found in close-in orbits around more than half of all Sun-like stars. Yet, their composition, formation, and evolution remain poorly understood. The study of multi-planetary systems offers an opportunity to investigate the outcomes of planet formation and evolution while controlling for initial conditions and environment. Those in resonance (with their orbital periods related by a ratio of small integers) are particularly valuable because they imply a system architecture practically unchanged since its birth. Here, we present the observations of six transiting planets around the bright nearby star HD 110067. We find that the planets follow a chain of resonant orbits. A dynamical study of the innermost planet triplet allowed the prediction and later confirmation of the orbits of the rest of the planets in the system. The six planets are found to be sub-Neptunes with radii ranging from 1.94 to 2.85 Re. Three of the planets have measured masses, yielding low bulk densities that suggest the presence of large hydrogen-dominated atmospheres.

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arXiv2023

Planetary companions orbiting the M dwarfs GJ 724 and GJ 3988. A CARMENES and IRD collaboration

We report the discovery of two exoplanets around the M dwarfs GJ 724 and GJ 3988 using the radial velocity (RV) method. We obtained a total of 153 3.5 m Calar Alto/CARMENES spectra for both targets and measured their RVs and activity indicators. We also added archival ESO/HARPS data for GJ 724 and infrared RV measurements from Subaru/IRD for GJ 3988. We searched for periodic and stable signals to subsequently construct Keplerian models, considering different numbers of planets, and we selected the best models based on their Bayesian evidence. Gaussian process (GP) regression was included in some models to account for activity signals. For both systems, the best model corresponds to one single planet. The minimum masses are $10.75^{+0.96}_{-0.87}$ and $3.69^{+0.42}_{-0.41}$ Earth-masses for GJ 724 b and GJ 3988 b, respectively. Both planets have short periods (P < 10 d) and, therefore, they orbit their star closely (a < 0.05 au). GJ 724 b has an eccentric orbit (e = $0.577^{+0.055}_{-0.052}$), whereas the orbit of GJ 3988 b is circular. The high eccentricity of GJ 724 b makes it the most eccentric single exoplanet (to this date) around an M dwarf. Thus, we suggest a further analysis to understand its configuration in the context of planetary formation and architecture. In contrast, GJ 3988 b is an example of a common type of planet around mid-M dwarfs.

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arXiv2023

Two sub-Neptunes around the M dwarf TOI-1470

Aims. A transiting planet candidate with a sub-Neptune radius orbiting the nearby ($d$ = 51.9$\pm$0.07 pc) M1.5 V star TOI-1470 with a period of $\sim$2.5 d was announced by the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which observed the field of TOI-1470 in four different sectors. We aim to validate its planetary nature using precise radial velocities (RVs) taken with the CARMENES spectrograph. Methods. We obtained 44 RV measurements with CARMENES spanning eight months between 3 June 2020 and 17 January 2021. For a better characterization of the parent star activity, we also collected contemporaneous optical photometric observations at the Joan Oró and Sierra Nevada Observatories, and we retrieved archival photometry from the literature. We used ground-based photometric observations from MuSCAT and also from MuSCAT2 and MuSCAT3 to confirm the planetary transit signals. We performed a combined photometric and spectroscopic analysis by including Gaussian processes and Keplerian orbits to simultaneously account for the stellar activity and planetary signals. Results. We estimate that TOI-1470 has a rotation period of 29$\pm$3 d based on photometric and spectroscopic data. The combined analysis confirms the discovery of the announced transiting planet, TOI-1470 b, with an orbital period of 2.527093$\pm$0.000003 d, a mass of $7.32^{+1.21}_{-1.24}$ M$_{\oplus}$, and a radius of $2.18^{+0.04}_{-0.04}$ R$_{\oplus}$. We also discover a second transiting planet that was not announced previously by TESS, TOI-1470 c, with an orbital period of 18.08816$\pm$0.00006 d, a mass of $7.24^{+2.87}_{-2.77}$ M$_{\oplus}$, and a radius of $2.47^{+0.02}_{-0.02}$ R$_{\oplus}$. The two planets are placed on the same side of the radius valley of M dwarfs and lie between TOI-1470 and the inner border of its habitable zone.

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arXiv2023

TOI-1416: A system with a super-Earth planet with a 1.07d period

TOI 1416 (BD+42 2504, HIP 70705) is a V=10 late G or early K-type dwarf star with transits detected by TESS. Radial velocities verify the presence of the transiting planet TOI-1416 b, with a period of 1.07d, a mass of $3.48 M_{Earth}$ and a radius of $1.62 R_{Earth}$, implying a slightly sub-Earth density of $4.50$ g cm$^{-3}$. The RV data also further indicate a tentative planet c with a period of 27.4 or 29.5 days, whose nature cannot be verified due to strong suspicions about contamination by a signal related to the Moon's synodic period of 29.53 days. The near-USP (Ultra Short Period) planet TOI-1416 b is a typical representative of a short-period and hot ($T_{eq} \approx$ 1570 K) super-Earth like planet. A planet model of an interior of molten magma containing a significant fraction of dissolved water provides a plausible explanation for its composition, and its atmosphere could be suitable for transmission spectroscopy with JWST. The position of TOI-1416 b within the radius-period distribution corroborates that USPs with periods of less than one day do not form any special group of planets. Rather, this implies that USPs belong to a continuous distribution of super-Earth like planets with periods ranging from the shortest known ones up to ~ 30 days, whose period-radius distribution is delimitated against larger radii by the Neptune desert and by the period-radius valley that separates super-Earths from sub-Neptune planets. In the abundance of small-short periodic planets against period, a plateau between periods of 0.6 to 1.4 days has however become notable that is compatible with the low-eccentricity formation channel. For the Neptune desert, its lower limits required a revision due to the increasing population of short period planets and new limits are provided. These limits are also given in terms of the planets' insolation and effective temperatures.

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arXiv2023

TOI-1442 b and TOI-2445 b: two potentially rocky ultra-short period planets around M dwarfs

Context. Exoplanets with orbital periods of less than one day are known as ultra-short period (USP) planets. They are relatively rare products of planetary formation and evolution processes, but especially favourable for characterisation with current planet detection methods. At the time of writing, 125 USP planets have already been confirmed. Aims. Our aim is to validate the planetary nature of two new transiting planet candidates around M dwarfs announced by the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), registered as TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs) TOI-1442.01 and TOI-2445.01. Methods. We used TESS data, ground-based photometric light curves, and Subaru/IRD spectrograph radial velocity (RV) measurements to validate both planetary candidates and to establish their physical properties. Results. TOI-1442 b is a validated exoplanet with an orbital period of $P$=0.4090682+/-0.0000004 d, a radius of $R_p$=1.15+/-0.06$R_{\oplus}$, and equilibrium temperature of $T_{p,eq}$=1357$_{-42}^{+49}$K. TOI-2445 b is also validated with an orbital period of $P$=0.3711286+/-0.0000004 d, a radius of $R_p$= 1.33+/-0.09$R_{\oplus}$, and equilibrium temperature of $T_{p,eq}$=1330$_{-56}^{+61}$K. Their physical properties align with current empirical trends and formation theories of USP planets. Based on the RV measurements, we set 3$σ$ upper mass limits of 8$M_{\oplus}$ and 20$M_{\oplus}$, thus confirming the non-stellar, sub-Jovian nature of both transiting objects. More RV measurements will be needed to constrain the planetary masses and mean densities, and the predicted presence of outer planetary companions. These targets extend the small sample of USP planets orbiting around M dwarfs up to 21 members. They are also among the 20 most suitable terrestrial planets for atmospheric characterisation via secondary eclipse with the JWST, according to a widespread emission spectroscopy metric.

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arXiv2022

Validation and atmospheric exploration of the sub-Neptune TOI-2136b around a nearby M3 dwarf

The NASA space telescope $TESS$ is currently in the extended mission of its all-sky search for new transiting planets. Of the thousands of candidates that TESS is expected to deliver, transiting planets orbiting nearby M dwarfs are particularly interesting targets since they provide a great opportunity to characterize their atmospheres by transmission spectroscopy. We aim to validate and characterize the new sub-Neptune-sized planet candidate TOI-2136.01 orbiting a nearby M dwarf ($d = 33.36 \pm 0.02$ pc, $T_{eff} = 3373 \pm 108$ K) with an orbital period of 7.852 days. We use TESS data, ground-based multicolor photometry, and radial velocity measurements with the InfraRed Doppler (IRD) instrument on the Subaru Telescope to validate the planetary nature of TOI-2136.01 and estimate the stellar and planetary parameters. We also conduct high-resolution transmission spectroscopy to search for helium in its atmosphere. We confirmed that TOI-2136.01 (now named as TOI-2136b) is a bona fide planet with a planetary radius of $R_p = 2.2 \pm 0.07$ $R_{Earth}$ and a mass of $M_p = 4.7^{+3.1}_{-2.6}$ $M_{Earth}$. We also search for helium 10830 Å absorption lines and place an upper limit on the equivalent width of $<$ 7.8 mÅ and on the absorption signal of $<$ 1.44 % with 95 % confidence. TOI-2136b is a sub-Neptune transiting a nearby and bright star (J=10.8) and is a potentially hycean planet, which is a new class of habitable planets with large oceans under a H$_2$-rich atmosphere, making it an excellent target for atmospheric studies to understand the formation, evolution, and habitability of the small planets.

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arXiv2022

TOI-1268b: the youngest, hot, Saturn-mass transiting exoplanet

We report the discovery of TOI-1268b, a transiting Saturn-mass planet from the TESS space mission. With an age of less than one Gyr, derived from various age indicators, TOI-1268b is the youngest Saturn-mass planet known to date and contributes to the small sample of well characterised young planets. It has an orbital period of $P\,=\,8.1577080\pm0.0000044$ days, and transits an early K dwarf star with a mass of $M_\star$ = $ 0.96 \pm 0.04$ $M_{\odot}$, a radius of $R_\star$ = $ 0.92 \pm 0.06$ $R_{\odot}$, an effective temperature of $T_\mathrm{eff}\,=\,5300\pm100$ K, and a metallicity of $0.36\pm0.06$ dex. By combining TESS photometry with high-resolution spectra acquired with the Tull spectrograph at McDonald observatory, and the high-resolution spectrographs at Tautenburg and Ondrejov observatories, we measured a planetary mass of $M_\mathrm{p}\,=\,96.4 \pm 8.3\,M_{\oplus}$ and a radius of $R_\mathrm{p}\,=\,9.1 \pm 0.6\,R_{\oplus}$. TOI-1268 is an ideal system to study the role of star-planet tidal interactions for non-inflated Saturn-mass planets. We used system parameters derived in this paper to constrain the planet tidal quality factor to the range of $10^{4.5-5.3}$. When compared with the sample of other non-inflated Saturn-mass planets, TOI-1268b is one of the best candidates for transmission spectroscopy studies.

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arXiv2021

HATS-74Ab, HATS-75b, HATS-76b and HATS-77b: Four Transiting Giant Planets around K and M Dwarfs

The relative rarity of giant planets around low mass stars compared with solar-type stars is a key prediction from core accretion planet formation theory. In this paper we report on the discovery of four gas giant planets that transit low mass late K and early M dwarfs. The planets HATS-74Ab (TOI 737b), HATS-75b (TOI 552b), HATS-76b (TOI 555b), and HATS-77b (TOI 730b), were all discovered from the HATSouth photometric survey and followed-up using TESS and other photometric facilities. We use the new ESPRESSO facility at the VLT to confirm and systems and measure their masses. We find that that planets have masses of 1.46 +- 0.14 MJ , 0.491 +- 0.039 MJ , 2.629 +- 0.089 MJ and 1.374 +0.100-0.074 MJ , respectively, and radii of 1.032 +- 0.021 RJ , 0.884 +- 0.013 RJ , 1.079 +- 0.031 RJ , and 1.165 +- 0.021 RJ, respectively. The planets all orbit close to their host stars with orbital periods ranging from 1.7319 d to 3.0876 d. With further work we aim to test core accretion theory by using these and further discoveries to quantify the occurrence rate of giant planets around low mass host stars.

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arXiv2021

K2-99 revisited: a non-inflated warm Jupiter, and a temperate giant planet on a 522-d orbit around a subgiant

We report new photometric and spectroscopic observations of the K2-99 planetary system. Asteroseismic analysis of the short-cadence light curve from K2's Campaign 17 allows us to refine the stellar properties. We find K2-99 to be significantly smaller than previously thought, with $R_{\star} = 2.55\pm0.02$ $\mathrm{R_\odot}$. The new light curve also contains four transits of K2-99b, which we use to improve our knowledge of the planetary properties. We find the planet to be a non-inflated warm Jupiter, with $R_\mathrm{b} = 1.06 \pm 0.01$ $\mathrm{R_{Jup}}$. Sixty new radial velocity measurements from HARPS, HARPS-N, and HIRES enable the determination of the orbital parameters of K2-99c, which were previously poorly constrained. We find that this outer planet has a minimum mass $M_\mathrm{c} \sin i_\mathrm{c} = 8.4\pm0.2$ $\mathrm{M_{Jup}}$, and an eccentric orbit ($e_\mathrm{c} = 0.210 \pm 0.009$) with a period of $522.2\pm1.4$ d. Upcoming TESS observations in 2022 have a good chance of detecting the transit of this planet, if the mutual inclination between the two planetary orbits is small.

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arXiv2021

Is the orbit of the exoplanet WASP-43b really decaying? TESS and MuSCAT2 observations confirm no detection

Up to now, WASP-12b is the only hot Jupiter confirmed to have a decaying orbit. The case of WASP-43b is still under debate. Recent studies preferred or ruled out the orbital decay scenario, but further precise transit timing observations are needed to definitively confirm or refute the period change of WASP-43b. This possibility is given by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) space telescope. In this work we used the available TESS data, multi-color photometry data obtained with the Multicolor Simultaneous Camera for studying Atmospheres of Transiting exoplanets 2 (MuSCAT2) and literature data to calculate the period change rate of WASP-43b and to improve its precision, and to refine the parameters of the WASP-43 planetary system. Based on the observed-minus-calculated data of 129 mid-transit times in total, covering a time baseline of about 10 years, we obtained an improved period change rate of $\dot{P} = -0.6 \pm 1.2$ ms yr$^{-1}$ that is consistent with a constant period well within $1σ$. We conclude that new TESS and MuSCAT2 observations confirm no detection of WASP-43b orbital decay.

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