Atmosphere, Interior, and Evolution of the Metal-Rich Transiting Planet HD 149026b

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  • 18 July 2005
Abstract
We investigate the atmosphere and interior of the new transiting planet HD 149026b, which appears to be very rich in heavy elements. We first compute model atmospheres at metallicities ranging from solar to ten times solar, and show how for cases with high metallicity or inefficient redistribution of energy from the day side, the planet can develop a hot stratosphere due to absorption of stellar flux by TiO and VO. The resulting spectra of these models are very different than cooler atmosphere models without stratospheres. The spectral effects are potentially detectable with the Spitzer Space Telescope. In addition the models with hot stratospheres lead to a large limb brightening, rather than darkening. Using a grid of self-consistent model atmospheres and high-pressure equations of state for all components, we compute thermal evolution models of the planet, and estimate that the mass of heavy elements within the planet is in the range of 66 to 79 Earth masses. Finally, we discuss trends in the radii of transiting planets with metallicity in light of this new member of the class.

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