Wolf 503 b: Characterization of a Sub-Neptune Orbiting a Metal-Poor K Dwarf

Abstract

Using radial velocity measurements from four instruments, we report the mass and density of a $2.043\pm 0.069{\mathrm{R}}_{\oplus }$ sub-Neptune orbiting the quiet K-dwarf Wolf 503 (HIP 67285). In addition, we present improved orbital and transit parameters by analyzing previously unused short-cadence $K2$ campaign 17 photometry and conduct a joint radial velocity-transit fit to constrain the eccentricity at $0.41\pm 0.05$. The addition of a transit observation by $Spitzer$ also allows us to refine the orbital ephemeris in anticipation of further follow-up. Our mass determination, $6.26_{-0.70}^{+0.69}{\mathrm{M}}_{\odot }$, in combination with the updated radius measurements, gives Wolf 503 b a bulk density of $\rho =2.92{\pm }_{-0.44}^{+0.50}$ $\mathrm{g}{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$. Using interior composition models, we find this density is consistent with an Earth-like core with either a substantial ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ mass fraction ($45_{-16.15}^{+19.12}\%$) or a modest H/He envelope ($0.5\pm 0.28\%$). The low H/He mass fraction, along with the old age of Wolf 503 ($11\pm 2$ Gyrs), makes this sub-Neptune an opportune subject for testing theories of XUV-driven mass loss while the brightness of its host ($J=8.3$ mag) makes it an attractive target for transmission spectroscopy.

Accepted to ApJ 2021 July 15