Repository logo
 

Wolf 503 b: Characterization of a sub-neptune orbiting a metal-poor k dwarf

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

Using radial velocity measurements from four instruments, we report the mass and density of a 2.043±0.069 R sub-Neptune orbiting the quiet K-dwarf Wolf 503 (HIP 67285). In addition, we present improved orbital and transit parameters by analyzing previously unused short-cadence K2 campaign 17 photometry and conduct a joint radial velocity-transit fit to constrain the eccentricity at 0.41±0.05. The addition of a transit observation by Spitzer also allows us to refine the orbital ephemeris in anticipation of further follow-up. Our mass determination, 6.26−0.70+0.69 M, in combination with the updated radius measurements, gives Wolf 503 b a bulk density of ρ=2.92±−0.44+0.50 g cm−3. Using interior composition models, we find this density is consistent with an Earth-like core with either a substantial H2O mass fraction (45−16.15+19.12%) or a modest H/He envelope (0.5±0.28%). The low H/He mass fraction, along with the old age of Wolf 503 (11±2 Gyrs), makes this sub-Neptune an opportune subject for testing theories of XUV-driven mass loss while the brightness of its host (J=8.3 mag) makes it an attractive target for transmission spectroscopy.

Description

Keywords

astro-ph.EP, astro-ph.EP

Journal Title

Astronomical Journal

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0004-6256
1538-3881

Volume Title

162

Publisher

American Astronomical Society

Rights

All rights reserved