The sub-Jovian desert of exoplanets: parameter dependent boundaries and implications on planet formation

Abstract

The period-mass and period-radius distribution of exoplanets is known to exhibit a desert. Unlike the existence of very hot ($P_{\mathrm{orb}}<3$d) super-Earths and hot Jupiters, no planets are known between a super Earths and sub-Jupiters with as short orbital periods as a day or two. In this Letter, we show that the period boundary of this desert is dependent on stellar parameters ($T_{\mathrm{eff}}$, $[M/H]$, $\log g$ in the order of significance), there is a conclusive dependence on the incident stellar irradiation, and a dependence on the stellar mass acting only on planets around $T_{\mathrm{eff}}<5600$K host stars. We found a significant lack of very inflated planets on closest orbits to the host star. There is no significant dependence on tidal forces currently acting on the planet, planet's surface gravity, or current filling factor of Roche lobe. These distributions are most compatible with the dominant role of photoevaporation in forming the desert.

5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters

References in corpus (2)

• Massive planet migration: Theoretical predictions and comparison with observations
• LAMOST telescope reveals that Neptunian cousins of hot Jupiters are mostly single offspring of stars that are rich in heavy elements

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• Radial velocity confirmation of a hot super-Neptune discovered by TESS with a warm Saturn-mass companion
• Converting the sub-Jovian desert of exoplanets to a savanna with TESS, PLATO and Ariel
• Confirmation of the hot super-Neptune TOI-672 b with NIRPS and HARPS and Insights into the Neptunian desert around M dwarfs
• A sub-Saturn Mass-Radius Desert for Planets with Equilibrium Temperature Less than 600 K