GJ 1252 b: A 1.2 R? Planet Transiting an M3 Dwarf at 20.4 pc

Hellier

Abstract

We report the discovery of GJ 1252 b, a planet with a radius of 1.193 ± 0.074 and an orbital period of 0.52 days around an M3-type star (0.381 ± 0.019 , 0.391 ± 0.020 ) located 20.385 ± 0.019 pc away. We use Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data, ground-based photometry and spectroscopy, Gaia astrometry, and high angular resolution imaging to show that the transit signal seen in the TESS data must originate from a transiting planet. We do so by ruling out all false-positive scenarios that attempt to explain the transit signal as originating from an eclipsing stellar binary. Precise Doppler monitoring also leads to a tentative mass measurement of 2.09 ± 0.56 M ?. The host star proximity, brightness (V = 12.19 mag, K = 7.92 mag), low stellar activity, and the system’s short orbital period make this planet an attractive target for detailed characterization, including precise mass measurement, looking for other objects in the system, and planet atmosphere characterization.

Citation

Hellier. (2020). GJ 1252 b: A 1.2 R? Planet Transiting an M3 Dwarf at 20.4 pc. Astrophysical Journal, https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ab7020

• Acceptance Date: Jan 25, 2020
• Publication Date: Feb 10, 2020
• Journal: The Astrophysical Journal
• Print ISSN: 0004-637X
• Publisher: American Astronomical Society
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ab7020
• Keywords: Exoplanet astronomy, M dwarf stars, Exoplanets
• Publisher URL: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ab7020