[en] We present the discovery and mass measurement of the cold, low-mass planet MOA-2009-BLG-266Lb, performed with the gravitational microlensing method. This planet has a mass of m[SUB]p[/SUB] = 10.4 ± 1.7 M[SUB]⊕[/SUB] and orbits a star of mass M [SUB]sstarf[/SUB] = 0.56 ± 0.09 M[SUB]sun[/SUB] at a semimajor axis of a = 3.2{+1.9\atop -0.5} AU and an orbital period of P = 7.6{+7.7\atop -1.5} yrs. The planet and host star mass measurements are enabled by the measurement of the microlensing parallax effect, which is seen primarily in the light curve distortion due to the orbital motion of the Earth. But the analysis also demonstrates the capability to measure the microlensing parallax with the Deep Impact (or EPOXI) spacecraft in a heliocentric orbit. The planet mass and orbital distance are similar to predictions for the critical core mass needed to accrete a substantial gaseous envelope, and thus may indicate that this planet is a "failed" gas giant. This and future microlensing detections will test planet formation theory predictions regarding the prevalence and masses of such planets.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Muraki, Y.; Department of Physics, Konan University, Nishiokamoto 8-9-1, Kobe 658-8501, Japan ; Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) Collaboration.
Han, C.; Department of Physics, Chungbuk National University, 410 Seongbong-Rho, Hungduk-Gu, Chongju 371-763, Republic of Korea ; Microlensing Follow Up Network (FUN) Collaboration. ; Author.
Bennett, D. P.; Department of Physics, 225 Nieuwland Science Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA ; Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) Collaboration. ; Author. ; Probing Lensing Anomalies Network (PLANET) Collaboration.
Suzuki, D.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan ; Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) Collaboration.
Monard, L. A. G.; Bronberg Observatory, Centre for Backyard Astrophysics, Pretoria, South Africa ; Microlensing Follow Up Network (FUN) Collaboration.
Street, R.; Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, 6740 Cortona Dr., Suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117, USA ; RoboNet Collaboration.
Jorgensen, U. G.; Niels Bohr Institute and Centre for Stars and Planet Formation, Juliane Mariesvej 30, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark ; Microlensing Network for the Detection of Small Terrestrial Exoplanets (MiNDSTEp) Collaboration.
Kundurthy, P.; Astronomy Department, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Skowron, J.; Department of Astronomy, Ohio State University, 140 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA ; Microlensing Follow Up Network (FUN) Collaboration.
Becker, A. C.; Astronomy Department, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Albrow, M. D.; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8020, New Zealand ; Probing Lensing Anomalies Network (PLANET) Collaboration.
Heyrovský, D.; Institute of Theoretical Physics, Charles University, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague, Czech Republic
Barry, R. K.; Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA
Beaulieu, J.-P.; Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, F-75014, Paris, France ; Probing Lensing Anomalies Network (PLANET) Collaboration.
Wellnitz, D. D.; Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Bond, I. A.; Institute for Information and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland 1330, New Zealand ; Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) Collaboration.
Sumi, T.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan ; Department of Earth and Space Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan ; Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) Collaboration.
Dong, S.; Institute for Advanced Study, Einstein Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA ; Microlensing Follow Up Network (FUN) Collaboration. ; Sagan Fellow.
Gaudi, B. S.; Department of Astronomy, Ohio State University, 140 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA ; Microlensing Follow Up Network (FUN) Collaboration.
Bramich, D. M.; European Southern Observatory, Karl-Schwarzschild-Straße 2, 85748 Garching bei München, Germany ; RoboNet Collaboration.
Dominik, M.; SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK ; RoboNet Collaboration. ; Microlensing Network for the Detection of Small Terrestrial Exoplanets (MiNDSTEp) Collaboration. ; Royal Society University Research Fellow.
Abe, F.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Botzler, C. S.; Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland 1001, New Zealand
Freeman, M.; Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland 1001, New Zealand
Fukui, A.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Furusawa, K.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Hayashi, F.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Hearnshaw, J. B.; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8020, New Zealand
Hosaka, S.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Itow, Y.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Kamiya, K.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Korpela, A. V.; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
Kilmartin, P. M.; Mt. John University Observatory, P.O. Box 56, Lake Tekapo 8770, New Zealand
Lin, W.; Institute for Information and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland 1330, New Zealand
Ling, C. H.; Institute for Information and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland 1330, New Zealand
Makita, S.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Masuda, K.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Matsubara, Y.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Miyake, N.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Nishimoto, K.; Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
Ohnishi, K.; Nagano National College of Technology, Nagano 381-8550, Japan
Perrott, Y. C.; Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland 1001, New Zealand
Rattenbury, N. J.; Jodrell Bank Observatory, The University of Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DL, UK
Saito, To; Tokyo Metropolitan College of Aeronautics, Tokyo 116-8523, Japan
Skuljan, L.; Institute for Information and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland 1330, New Zealand
Sullivan, D. J.; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
Sweatman, W. L.; Institute for Information and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland 1330, New Zealand
Tristram, P. J.; Mt. John University Observatory, P.O. Box 56, Lake Tekapo 8770, New Zealand
Wada, K.; Department of Physics, Konan University, Nishiokamoto 8-9-1, Kobe 658-8501, Japan
Yock, P. C. M.; Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland 1001, New Zealand
MOA Collaboration
Christie, G. W.; Auckland Observatory, P.O. Box 24-180, Auckland, New Zealand
DePoy, D. L.; Department of Physics, Texas A&M University, 4242 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4242, USA
Gorbikov, E.; School of Physics and Astronomy, Raymond and Beverley Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
Gould, A.; Department of Astronomy, Ohio State University, 140 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Kaspi, S.; School of Physics and Astronomy, Raymond and Beverley Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
Lee, C.-U.; Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, 776 Daedukdae-ro, Yuseong-gu 305-348 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
Mallia, F.; Campo Catino Austral Observatory, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Maoz, D.; School of Physics and Astronomy, Raymond and Beverley Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
Steele, I.; Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD, UK
Tsapras, Y.; Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, 6740 Cortona Dr., Suite 102, Goleta, CA 93117, USA ; Astronomy Unit, School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
RoboNet Collaboration
Batista, V.; Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, F-75014, Paris, France
Bennett, C. S.; Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Zub, M.; Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg, Mönchhofstrasse 12-14, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
PLANET Collaboration
Bourhrous, H.; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
Matsuoka, Y.; Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
Nagayama, T.; Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
Oi, N.; Department of Astronomical Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan
Randriamanakoto, Z.; South African Astronomical Observatory, P.O. Box 9, Observatory 7925, South Africa
IRSF Observers
Bozza, V.; Department of Physics, University of Salerno, Via Ponte Don Melillo, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy ; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Italy
Burgdorf, M. J.; SOFIA Science Center, NASA Ames Research Center, Mail Stop N211-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA ; Deutsches SOFIA Institut, Universitaet Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 31, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Calchi Novati, S.; Department of Physics, University of Salerno, Via Ponte Don Melillo, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
Finet, François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Glitrup, M.; Department of Physics & Astronomy, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Arhus C, Denmark
Harpsøe, K.; Niels Bohr Institute and Centre for Stars and Planet Formation, Juliane Mariesvej 30, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
Hinse, T. C.; Niels Bohr Institute and Centre for Stars and Planet Formation, Juliane Mariesvej 30, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark ; Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, 776 Daedukdae-ro, Yuseong-gu 305-348 Daejeon, Republic of Korea
Liebig, C.; SUPA, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
Maier, G.; Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg, Mönchhofstrasse 12-14, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Mancini, L.; Department of Physics, University of Salerno, Via Ponte Don Melillo, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy ; Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Königstuhl 17, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Mathiasen, M.; Niels Bohr Institute and Centre for Stars and Planet Formation, Juliane Mariesvej 30, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
Rahvar, S.; Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, and School of Astronomy, IPM, 19395-5531 Tehran, Iran
Ricci, Davide ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Scarpetta, G.; Department of Physics, University of Salerno, Via Ponte Don Melillo, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy ; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Napoli, Italy
Skottfelt, J.; Niels Bohr Institute and Centre for Stars and Planet Formation, Juliane Mariesvej 30, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
Surdej, Jean ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Astroph. extragalactique et observations spatiales (AEOS)
Southworth, J.; Astrophysics Group, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
Wambsganss, J.; Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg, Mönchhofstrasse 12-14, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Zimmer, F.; Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg, Mönchhofstrasse 12-14, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Wyrzykowski, Ł.; Warsaw University Observatory, Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, Poland ; Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA, UK
Szymański, M. K.; Warsaw University Observatory, Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, Poland
Kubiak, M.; Warsaw University Observatory, Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, Poland
Pietrzyński, G.; Warsaw University Observatory, Al. Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warszawa, Poland ; Universidad de Concepción, Departamento de Astronomia, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
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