Planet transit to derive system parameters

In summary, the conversation discusses measuring the flux of a star over time and determining a decrease in flux periodically every 57.22 days, which is attributed to a planet transit. The star has a continuous spectrum similar to a black body with T=9500K and a bolometric luminosity 22 times greater than the Sun's. The task is to calculate the planet's diameter, orbit radius, and the star's mass, assuming a circular orbit and projection on the star's equator. The suggested method involves using the Stefan-Boltzmann law to calculate the Sun's luminosity and then using that to determine the star's radius. However, the correct equation for calculating the luminosity difference in the star should use the planet's
  • #1
RHK
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Homework Statement



Measuring the flux of a star as a function of the time, the flux exhibit a decrease of 1.65% for 2h 56m, periodically every 57.22 days. Such decrease is ascribed to a planet transit.
The continuous spectrum of the star is like a black body with T= 9500 K, and its bolometric luminosity is 22 times the bolometric luminosity of the Sun (that has a black body spectrum with T=5600K).
Assuming that the planet transit is projected on the star equator, and that the planet is on a circular orbit, calculate:
(i) The planet diameter;

(ii) The orbit planet radius;

(iii) The star mass.

Homework Equations



[itex]R_{sun} = 6.69*10^8 m[/itex]
[itex]L_{bol}=4\pi R_s^2 \sigma T^4 [/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



For the first point i can calculate the Sun bolometric luminosity with the same Stefan-Boltzmann law:
[itex]L_{sun}=4\pi R_{sun}^2 \sigma T_{sun}^4 [/itex]

and then calculate the bolometric luminosity of the star, that is 22*Lsun.
This allow to obtain the stellar radius Rs by using the S-B law.
Thus, the luminosity difference in the star is [itex]\Delta L= 4\pi(R_s^2 - R_{sun}^2) \sigma T_s^4 [/itex]
where [itex]\Delta L= (100 - 1.65)\% L_s[/itex]

Is it ok?
 
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  • #2
Anyone can suggest if it's the correct way?
 
  • #3
I'm sorry: the correct eqaution is not (as reported):
RHK said:
Thus, the luminosity difference in the star is [itex]\Delta L= 4\pi(R_s^2 - R_{sun}^2) \sigma T_s^4 [/itex]
where [itex]\Delta L= (100 - 1.65)\% L_s[/itex]

but: [itex]\Delta L= 4\pi(R_s^2 - R_{planet}^2) \sigma T_s^4 [/itex]

What about this?
 

What is a planet transit?

A planet transit occurs when a planet passes in front of its star, blocking a small portion of the star's light. This can be observed by measuring the decrease in brightness of the star during the transit.

How can planet transits be used to derive system parameters?

By analyzing the transit light curve, which shows the change in brightness over time, scientists can determine the size, orbital period, and distance of the planet from its star. The shape and duration of the transit can also reveal information about the planet's atmosphere and composition.

What tools are used to study planet transits?

Scientists use a variety of instruments and techniques to study planet transits, including ground-based telescopes, space telescopes, and the transit method, which involves continuously monitoring the brightness of a star to detect any dips caused by a planet's transit.

What types of planets are best suited for studying transits?

Small, rocky planets that are close to their stars are ideal for studying transits. These types of planets are more likely to orbit their stars in a way that causes them to pass directly in front of the star, making their transits easier to observe.

What can we learn from studying planet transits?

Studying planet transits allows us to learn more about the characteristics of exoplanets, which are planets outside of our solar system. By analyzing the properties of these planets, we can better understand the diversity of planetary systems and potentially discover habitable worlds.

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