24/7 Space News
EXO WORLDS
Astronomers identify new Neptunian Ridge between Exoplanet Desert and Savanna
illustration only
Astronomers identify new Neptunian Ridge between Exoplanet Desert and Savanna
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 19, 2024

A team of international astronomers, including members from the University of Geneva, NCCR PlanetS, and the Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB), has discovered the "Neptunian Ridge," a newly recognized feature in the distribution of exoplanets. This finding offers fresh insights into the Neptunian Desert, a region largely devoid of hot Neptune-like planets, and the Neptunian Savanna, where such planets are more frequently observed. The study sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping these regions, with significant implications for understanding the evolution of exoplanets close to their host stars. The discovery is published in 'Astronomy and Astrophysics'.

Astronomers typically chart exoplanet systems by plotting planet radius against orbital periods. These plots reveal patterns, including the mysterious Neptunian Desert - an area surprisingly sparse in Neptune-sized planets. Scientists believe this scarcity is due to intense stellar radiation stripping away the atmospheres of these planets, leaving smaller remnants.

Outside this hostile zone lies the Neptunian Savanna, where Neptune-sized planets are more common. Here, conditions are less severe, allowing planets to retain their gaseous atmospheres, thus surviving in this slightly safer region. Understanding the boundaries between the Neptunian Desert and Savanna has become a major focus in exoplanet research.

Introducing the Neptunian Ridge
The new study has identified a previously unknown concentration of Neptune-sized planets at the boundary of the Neptunian Desert, now termed the "Neptunian Ridge."

"We found an overdensity of planets in this region, indicating a sharp transition between the barren Neptunian Desert and the more populated Neptunian Savanna," said Dr. Vincent Bourrier, Assistant Professor at the University of Geneva and co-author of the study. This ridge signifies a critical zone where planets can migrate inward yet manage to resist the intense radiation from their stars.

Methods and Tools for Discovery
Using data from NASA's Kepler mission, the research team applied advanced statistical techniques to correct for observational biases. They meticulously mapped the relationship between orbital periods and planetary radii, uncovering distinct regions that define the Neptunian landscape. The Neptunian Ridge is observed between 3.2 and 5.7 days of orbital periods, positioned between the Neptunian Desert and the Neptunian Savanna. This detailed analysis enhances our understanding of the migration and survival mechanisms that govern these exoplanets.

Insights into Planet Formation and Evolution

"The Neptunian Ridge stands tall above the Desert and Savanna. It provides us with a key to understanding the physical mechanisms shaping the Desert," explained Bourrier. The existence of the Ridge suggests that some Neptune-sized planets migrate to this region through a process called high-eccentricity migration, occurring later in the planet's life, enabling them to survive the intense stellar radiation. Similar migration processes, combined with photoevaporation, are likely responsible for the features seen in the Neptunian region. Comparisons between the Neptunian Ridge and the "hot Jupiter pileup" suggest that these evolutionary processes might influence both categories of exoplanets.

Expanding Observations
To further explore the Neptunian Desert and Savanna, researchers from the University of Geneva have initiated an ambitious observational program using the high-resolution spectrograph ESPRESSO, mounted on the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). This program will study the orientation of close-in Neptune orbits, which is directly tied to the migration process. This research promises to deliver crucial data for understanding planet formation and evolution.

"The Neptunian Ridge is just the beginning," said Amadeo Castro-Gonzalez, Ph.D. student at the Center for Astrobiology in Madrid, and lead author of the study. "With upcoming results from this observational program, we'll be able to test our hypotheses about the origins and evolution of these intriguing worlds, providing a more comprehensive view of the close-in Neptunian landscape."

Related Links
NCCR PLANETS
Lands Beyond Beyond - extra solar planets - news and science
Life Beyond Earth

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
EXO WORLDS
Formation of super-Earths proven limited near metal-poor stars
Columbus OH (SPX) Sep 11, 2024
In a new study, astronomers report novel evidence regarding the limits of planet formation, finding that after a certain point, planets larger than Earth have difficulty forming near low-metallicity stars. Using the sun as a baseline, astronomers can measure when a star formed by determining its metallicity, or the level of heavy elements present within it. Metal-rich stars or nebulas formed relatively recently, while metal-poor objects were likely present during the early universe. Previous ... read more

EXO WORLDS
Rob Gutro: Clear Science in the Forecast

Crew prepares for departure while new arrivals ramp up Station activities

Vegetable seeds from space thrive in Shanxi county, boosting yields

Station crew showcases AI Assistant and 12K ultra-high-resolution camera

EXO WORLDS
CSPAR gains 2 scale models of spacecraft crucial to its work

FAA proposes $630,000 fine against SpaceX for 2023 regulatory violations

French rockets to launch from Arnhem Space Centre starting in 2026

Elon Musk's Starlink internet launches in war-scarred Yemen

EXO WORLDS
Organic molecules on Mars linked to atmospheric formaldehyde

Study reveals surprising behavior of Mars' induced magnetosphere

Solar Wind effects on Mars' nightside magnetic field revealed

Reaching New Heights to Unravel Deep Martian History!

EXO WORLDS
China launches Yaogan 43B remote-sensing satellites from Xichang

Shenzhou-18 Crew Tests Fire Alarms and Conducts Medical Procedures in Space

Astronauts on Tiangong Space Station Complete Fire Safety Drill

Shenzhou XVIII Crew Conducts Emergency Drill on Tiangong Space Station

EXO WORLDS
Sidus strengthens LizzieSat operations with Neuraspace partnership

Iridium approves $500M stock buyback, total program reaches $1.5B

Simple shift could make low Earth orbit satellites high capacity

Satellite launches set to average seven tons daily through 2033

EXO WORLDS
Advanced instrument offers new insights into Van Allen Radiation Belts

Orion spacecraft radiation protection tested

The Best Practices to Minimize Exposure to Welding Fumes

Algorithm from Mars Rover assists data analysis for Earth Sciences

EXO WORLDS
Astronomers identify new Neptunian Ridge between Exoplanet Desert and Savanna

UTA physicists publish study on habitability of F-Type Star Systems

Formation of super-Earths proven limited near metal-poor stars

AI-Assisted Discovery Reveals How Microbial Proteins Adapt to Extreme Pressures

EXO WORLDS
Volcanoes may help reveal interior heat on Jupiter moon

Technicians prep Europa Clipper for propellant loading

JunoCam identifies new volcanic feature on Io

Mystery of Trans-Neptunian Orbits Solved by Stellar Flyby

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.