Moderate-resolution K-band Spectroscopy of Substellar Companion κ Andromedae b

Kielan K. Wilcomb, Quinn M. Konopacky, Travis S. Barman, Christopher A. Theissen, Jean Baptiste Ruffio, Laci Brock, Bruce MacIntosh, Christian Marois

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26 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present moderate-resolution (R ∼ 4000) K-band spectra of the "super-Jupiter,"κ Andromedae b. The data were taken with the OSIRIS integral field spectrograph at Keck Observatory. The spectra reveal resolved molecular lines from H2O and CO, and are compared to a custom PHOENIX atmosphere model grid appropriate for young planetary-mass objects. We fit the data using a Markov chain Monte Carlo forward-modeling method. Using a combination of our moderate-resolution spectrum and low-resolution, broadband data from the literature, we derive an effective temperature of T eff = 1950-2150 K, a surface gravity of, and a metallicity of [M/H] =-0.2-0.0. These values are consistent with previous estimates from atmospheric modeling and the currently favored young age of the system (<50 Myr). We derive a C/O ratio of for the source, broadly consistent with the solar C/O ratio. This, coupled with the slightly subsolar metallicity, implies a composition consistent with that of the host star, and is suggestive of formation by a rapid process. The subsolar metallicity of κ Andromedae b is also consistent with predictions of formation via gravitational instability. Further constraints on formation of the companion will require measurement of the C/O ratio of κ Andromedae A. We also measure the radial velocity of κ Andromedae b for the first time, with a value of-1.4 ± 0.9 km s-1 relative to the host star. We find that the derived radial velocity is consistent with the estimated high eccentricity of κ Andromedae b.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number207
JournalAstronomical Journal
Volume160
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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