Modelling the light-curve of KIC 12557548b: an extrasolar planet with a comet like tail

TL;DR

This study models the peculiar light-curve of KIC 12557548b, supporting its interpretation as a disintegrating planet with a dusty, comet-like tail, and analyzes dust particle sizes and tail evolution using Kepler data.

Contribution

It provides a detailed light-curve modeling incorporating dust scattering, refines the planet's orbital period, and offers insights into dust particle sizes and tail dynamics, advancing understanding of disintegrating exoplanets.

Findings

Light-curve consistent with a disintegrating planet with a dusty tail.

Estimated dust particle size in the tail is about 0.1-1 micron.

Evidence of tail evolution and non-uniform behavior of the planet.

Abstract

An object with a very peculiar light-curve was discovered recently using Kepler data. Authors argue that this object may be a transiting disintegrating planet with a comet like dusty tail. We calculate the light-curves of stars with such planets and take into account the Mie absorption and scattering on spherical dust grains of various sizes assuming realistic dust opacities and phase functions and finite radius of the source of the scattered light. The planet light-curve is reanalysed using long and short cadence Kepler observations from the first 14 quarters. Orbital period of the planet was improved. We prove that the peculiar light-curve of this objects is in agreement with the idea of a planet with a comet like tail. There is an evidence of a quasi periodic long term evolution of the tail. Light-curve has a prominent pre-transit brightening and a less prominent post-transit brightening. Both are caused by the forward scattering and are a strong function of the particle size. This feature enabled us to estimate a typical particle size (radius) in the dust tail of about 0.1-1 micron. However, there is an indication that the particle size changes along the tail. Larger particles better reproduce the pre-transit brightening and transit core while smaller particles are more compatible with the egress and post-transit brightening. Dust density in the tail is a steep decreasing function of the distance from the planet which indicates a significant tail destruction caused by the star. We also argue that the 'planet' does not show uniform behaviour but may have at least two constituents. This light-curve with pre-transit brightening is analogous to the light-curve of $\epsilon$ Aur with mid-eclipse brightening and forward scattering plays a significant role in such eclipsing systems.