Astronomy & Astrophysics Seminar: Discovery and Characterization of GJ 2126b: A Highly Eccentric Jovian Exoplanet

Zoom: https://tau-ac-il.zoom.us/j/87230679135?pwd=Y1duRlArUkJwSnhaaXVscUU0azY3Zz09

Abstract:

The discovery of new exoplanets holds significant importance in understanding the demographics of planetary systems. As we uncover more exoplanets, we gain invaluable insights into the variety and distribution of planetary types, their formation processes, and their evolutionary pathways.

Using Radial Velocity (RV) data from the HARPS archival database, we built a pipeline that utilizes rigorous, systematic analysis and employs new methods to discover and validate new exoplanet candidates that so far eluded us.  As a result, we identified GJ 2126b among six new exoplanet candidates. GJ 2126b, a Jupiter-like planet, has a period of 272.718 days and an eccentricity of 0.853, making it the second most eccentric planet known around a M-type star. The planet sits in a sparsely populated area in the exoplanet demographic in relation to its star, eccentricity, period and mass. 

This discovery highlights the potential of archival RV data and advanced techniques in finding new exoplanets and understanding planetary system dynamics.
 

Seminar Organizer: Dr. Jonathan Stern

Recording >