A binary merger origin for inflated hot Jupiter planets

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Abstract

We hypothesize that hot Jupiters with inflated sizes represent a separate planet formation channel, the merging of two low-mass stars. We show that the abundance and properties of W UMa stars and low mass detached binaries are consistent with their being possible progenitors. The degree of inflation of the transiting hot Jupiters correlates with their expected spiral-in life time by tidal dissipation, and this could indicate youth if the stellar dissipation parameter Q*′ is sufficiently low. Several Jupiter-mass planets can form in the massive compact disk formed in a merger event. Gravitational scattering between them can explain the high incidence of excentric, inclined, and retrograde orbits. If the population of inflated planets is indeed formed by a merger process, their frequency should be much higher around blue stragglers than around T Tauri stars. © 2011 ESO.

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Martin, E. L., Spruit, H. C., & Tata, R. (2011). A binary merger origin for inflated hot Jupiter planets. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 535. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201116907

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