Growth model interpretation of planet size distribution.

ABSTRACT: The radii and orbital periods of 4,000+ confirmed/candidate exoplanets have been precisely measured by the Kepler mission. The radii show a bimodal distribution, with two peaks corresponding to smaller planets (likely rocky) and larger intermediate-size planets, respectively. While only the masses of the planets orbiting the brightest stars can be determined by ground-based spectroscopic observations, these observations allow calculation of their average densities placing constraints on the bulk compositions and internal structures. However, an important question about the composition of planets ranging from 2 to 4 Earth radii (R_⊕) still remains. They may either have a rocky core enveloped in a H₂-He gaseous envelope (gas dwarfs) or contain a significant amount

SUBMITTER: Zeng L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6525489 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature