STARSPOTS ON WASP-85

Hellier

Abstract

By analyzing K2 short-cadence observations, we detect starspots on WASP-85A, the host star of the hot Jupiter WASP-85Ab. The detection of recurring starspot occultation events indicates that the planet's orbit is aligned with the star's rotational axis ($\lambda \lt 14^\circ $) and suggests a stellar rotational period of 15.1 ± 0.6 days. The K2 light curve reveals a rotational modulation with a period of 13.6 ± 1.6 days, which is consistent with the period determined from starspots. There are no significant transit-timing variations, and thus no evidence of any additional planet in the system. Given the pronounced rotational modulation, we are only able to place an upper limit of 100 parts per million for any phase-curve modulations and the secondary eclipse.

Citation

Hellier. (2016). STARSPOTS ON WASP-85. Astronomical Journal, https://doi.org/10.3847/0004-6256/151/6/150

• Acceptance Date: Mar 20, 2016
• Publication Date: May 25, 2016
• Journal: Astronomical Journal
• Print ISSN: 0004-6256
• Publisher: American Astronomical Society
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3847/0004-6256/151/6/150
• Keywords: planets and satellites: individual (WASP-85Ab); stars: individual (WASP-85A): starspots
• Publisher URL: http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/0004-6256/151/6/150/meta