Change in magnitude and flux caused by a planet transiting a star

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the dip in magnitudes and flux in the optical light curve caused by a planet transiting a solar-type star at distances of 0.1, 1, and 5 AU. The relevant equation used is dF/F0 = (rp/rs)², where rp is the planet radius and rs is the star radius. It is confirmed that the distance of 10 parsecs from the observer does not significantly affect the calculations due to its vastness compared to the distances in AU. The suggestion is made to calculate the angular sizes of both the planet and the star for a more rigorous understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical light curves
  • Familiarity with the concepts of magnitude and flux
  • Knowledge of angular size calculations
  • Proficiency in using the equation dF/F0 = (rp/rs)²
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the angular sizes of a planet and a star for various distances
  • Explore the impact of distance on light curve analysis
  • Investigate the relationship between planet radius and star radius in transit events
  • Learn about the implications of transiting exoplanets on stellar brightness
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying exoplanet transits and light curve analysis will benefit from this discussion.

bambihaditcom
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Determine the dip in magnitudes and flux in the optical light curve caused by the planet in front of the star if the planet orbits at 0.1,1 and 5 AU:
The star is a solar type star and the mass of both the planet and star are known as are their radii:
The observer is 10pc away from the star

Homework Equations



dF/F0 = (rp/rs)2
rp = planet radius
rs = star radius

The Attempt at a Solution


using this equation the change in flux can be determined however I am unsure if the distance between the star and the planet will have any effect. My initial thought is no considering how much greater 10pc is than 1AU but I'm not confident. But if there is a relation I have been unable to find it. Thank you in advance;
 
Physics news on Phys.org
using this equation the change in flux can be determined however I am unsure if the distance between the star and the planet will have any effect. My initial thought is no considering how much greater 10pc is than 1AU but I'm not confident.

That's correct: because 10pc is so much greater than 1AU, the distance doesn't matter. To show that it doesn't, you can rigorously calculate the angular sizes of both the planet and the star, get the answer that way, and compare to the answer you get by using dF/F0 = (rp/rs)2.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K