The phase-dependent infrared brightness of the extrasolar planet upsilon Andromedae b

Science. 2006 Oct 27;314(5799):623-6. doi: 10.1126/science.1133904. Epub 2006 Oct 12.

Abstract

The star upsilon Andromedae is orbited by three known planets, the innermost of which has an orbital period of 4.617 days and a mass at least 0.69 that of Jupiter. This planet is close enough to its host star that the radiation it absorbs overwhelms its internal heat losses. Here, we present the 24-micrometer light curve of this system, obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. It shows a variation in phase with the orbital motion of the innermost planet, demonstrating that such planets possess distinct hot substellar (day) and cold antistellar (night) faces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Astronomy*
  • Planets*