CoRoT-19b

Lore & Background

CoRoT-19b was first detected in March 2010 following a 24-day observation of its host star's light curves. A 19th magnitude binary star located in proximity to CoRoT-19 had a similar light curve, but the authors used a photometric mask to filter out the background binary and confirm the signal originated from CoRoT-19. Further transit data from TRAPPIST was collected after the initial observations. From the light curves, the period of the planet and the radii of both the star and planet were accurately determined. Doppler spectroscopy measurements from the SOPHIE, HARPS, SIES, and SANFORD spectrographs were used to determine the orbit and most of the planet's parameters.

The host star, CoRoT-19, lies in the equatorial constellation of Monoceros. It is an inactive late F-type main sequence star with nearly depleted hydrogen in its core. It has 1.21 times the mass of the Sun, is 65% larger than the Sun, and has near-solar metallicity. At an apparent magnitude of 14.01, it requires a telescope with an aperture of at least 130 millimeters to be seen.

CoRoT-19b orbits close to its host star with an average separation not specified. Its four-day orbit has an eccentricity of 0.047, making it nearly circular. The planet is 15% more massive than Jupiter, but irradiation from its host star inflates it to a radius 29% larger than Jupiter's. Compared to other hot Jupiters, it is not as puffy, owing to its relatively high density, which was later revised. Its equilibrium temperature was measured, though this is only its equilibrium temperature. The Rossiter-McLaughlin effect was observed, revealing a spin-orbit angle that is only slightly misaligned with the equatorial plane of its host star.

Reader's Guide

CoRoT-19b was one of 71 Jupiter-mass exoplanets whose parameters were used in a 2012 study exploring factors that affect the radii of exoplanets. Its inclusion in that study highlights its role as a data point in understanding why some hot Jupiters are more inflated than others. The planet's relatively high density, compared to other hot Jupiters, made it a useful counterexample to the most puffy planets, helping to constrain models of planetary inflation under stellar irradiation. Some of its orbital and physical parameters were updated in 2017, reflecting ongoing refinement of exoplanet measurements. The detection of a slightly misaligned spin-orbit angle via the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect adds to the sample of hot Jupiters with measured obliquities, contributing to theories of planetary migration and dynamical evolution. The observational history, including the challenge of separating its signal from a nearby binary star, demonstrates the techniques used to confirm transiting exoplanets in crowded fields.

Did You Know?

• CoRoT-19b was discovered using the transit method via the CoRoT space telescope in 2010.
• The planet has a slightly misaligned orbit relative to its host star's equatorial plane.
• CoRoT-19b was one of 71 Jupiter-mass exoplanets used in a 2012 study on factors affecting exoplanet radii.