Transit mapping of a starspot on CoRoT-2 - Probing a stellar surface by planetary transits

TL;DR

This study demonstrates how planetary transits can be used to map starspots on CoRoT-2, revealing detailed properties of stellar surface features with high precision.

Contribution

It introduces a method for eclipse mapping of starspots using transit lightcurves, providing detailed size and location measurements of stellar surface features.

Findings

Spot radius between 4.5° and 10.5° on the stellar surface

Spot longitude determined with ±1° precision

Detection of spots comparable to large solar spot groups

Abstract

We analyze variations in the transit lightcurves of CoRoT-2b, a massive hot Jupiter orbiting a highly active G star. We use one transit lightcurve to eclipse-map a photospheric spot occulted by the planet. In this case study we determine the size and longitude of the eclipsed portion of the starspot and systematically study the corresponding uncertainties. We determine a spot radius between $4.5\degr$ and $10.5\degr$ on the stellar surface and the spot longitude with a precision of about $\pm 1$ degree. Given the well-known transit geometry of the CoRoT-2 system, this implies a reliable detection of spots on latitudes typically covered by sunspots; also regarding its size the modelled spot is comparable to large spot groups on the Sun. We discuss the future potential of eclipse mapping by planetary transits for the high-resolution analysis of stellar surface features.