Source: ISRO
Context: Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have discovered TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn exoplanet in a wide binary system.
- The discovery, made using the PARAS-2 spectrograph, enhances India’s expertise in exoplanet research and astronomical instrumentation.
About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:
- What is PARAS-2?
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- High-resolution Radial Velocity (RV) Spectrograph, used for exoplanet detection and mass measurement.
- Built by:
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- Developed by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, and installed at the 2.5-meter telescope at Mt. Abu Observatory.
- Functions & Features:
- Exoplanet Detection: Measures minute stellar wobbles to confirm planetary presence.
- Precision Mass Measurement: Determines exoplanet mass using radial velocity technique.
- Asia’s Highest-Resolution RV Spectrograph: Provides stabilized and accurate measurements for astronomical studies.
- Speckle Imaging Capability: Aids in high-resolution planetary system validation.
New Discovery TOI-6038A b:
- Key Characteristics
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- Size & Mass: 6.41 Earth radii, 78.5 Earth masses, classified as a dense sub-Saturn.
- Density: 1.62 g/cm³, indicating a massive rocky core (~75% mass) and H/He envelope.
- Binary System: Part of a wide binary system, with K-type companion TOI-6038B at 3217 AU.
- Significance of the Discovery:
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- Enhancing Exoplanet Research: Provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, especially sub-Saturn transition.
- Validating Exoplanet Migration Theories: Challenges existing models of high-eccentricity tidal migration (HEM) and disk-driven migration.
- Advancing Indian Space Science: Marks India’s second exoplanet discovery using PARAS-2, showcasing scientific capabilities in astronomy.
- Binary System Planetary Evolution: One of only five known sub-Saturns in a binary system, aiding studies on gravitational influences on planetary orbits.
