PAMS Seminar: "Pathways of Survival: Formation and Migration Histories of Giant Exoplanets in Extreme Systems"
Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 4-5pm MSU:
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Missouri State Calendar
PAMS Seminar: "Pathways of Survival: Formation and Migration Histories of Giant Exoplanets in Extreme Systems"
Organized by Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science
Seminar via Zoom: 822 0748 3450
Yadira Gaibor
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department of Physics
Abstract:
This talk examines the formation and survival mechanisms of giant exoplanets in extreme stellar environments. First, we explore WD1856b -the first confirmed exoplanet orbiting a white dwarf that somehow survived the chaotic final stages of its host star’s evolution. We simulate a possible formation mechanism called common envelope evolution to investigate how such systems might form. We draw a sample of host stars and giant exoplanets from known mass and orbital period distributions and evolve them over time. I will be presenting preliminary results on the modeled exoplanet population expected if they survive the common envelope stage of stellar evolution.
Hot Jupiters (HJ) are another type of extreme exoplanet with uncertain formation pathways. These gas giants are found very close to their host star, with orbital periods of less than 10 days. I will give an overview of the theorized formation mechanisms of these HJs and the tools astronomers use to study them. The planet’s obliquity (tilt relative to the host star's spin axis) serves as a key indicator of its migration and alignment history. Interestingly, HJs around cooler stars tend to have low obliquities, suggesting realignment via tidal interactions—though whether realignment truly occurs is debated. Binary systems offer a unique testing ground for this question. Recent findings show that HJs often remain misaligned in binary systems, regardless of host temperatures. I will discuss what these results imply for the formation history of such exoplanets. Together, these studies offer insights into the resilience and origin of giant planets across diverse stellar environments.
To join online: https://missouristate.zoom.us/j/82207483450
For additional information: PAMS Seminar: "Pathways of Survival: Formation and Migration Histories of Giant Exoplanets in Extreme Systems" - Calendar - Missouri State