PARAS-2 spectrograph

Source: ISRO

Context: Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have discovered TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn exoplanet in a wide binary system.

• The discovery, made using the PARAS-2 spectrograph, enhances India’s expertise in exoplanet research and astronomical instrumentation.

About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:

• What is PARAS-2?

• High-resolution Radial Velocity (RV) Spectrograph, used for exoplanet detection and mass measurement.

• Built by:

• Developed by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, and installed at the 2.5-meter telescope at Mt. Abu Observatory.

• Functions & Features: Exoplanet Detection: Measures minute stellar wobbles to confirm planetary presence. Precision Mass Measurement: Determines exoplanet mass using radial velocity technique. Asia’s Highest-Resolution RV Spectrograph: Provides stabilized and accurate measurements for astronomical studies. Speckle Imaging Capability: Aids in high-resolution planetary system validation.

• Exoplanet Detection: Measures minute stellar wobbles to confirm planetary presence.

• Precision Mass Measurement: Determines exoplanet mass using radial velocity technique.

• Asia’s Highest-Resolution RV Spectrograph: Provides stabilized and accurate measurements for astronomical studies.

• Speckle Imaging Capability: Aids in high-resolution planetary system validation.

New Discovery TOI-6038A b:

• Key Characteristics

• Size & Mass: 6.41 Earth radii, 78.5 Earth masses, classified as a dense sub-Saturn. Density: 1.62 g/cm³, indicating a massive rocky core (~75% mass) and H/He envelope. Binary System: Part of a wide binary system, with K-type companion TOI-6038B at 3217 AU.

• Size & Mass: 6.41 Earth radii, 78.5 Earth masses, classified as a dense sub-Saturn.

• Density: 1.62 g/cm³, indicating a massive rocky core (~75% mass) and H/He envelope.

• Binary System: Part of a wide binary system, with K-type companion TOI-6038B at 3217 AU.

• Significance of the Discovery:

• Enhancing Exoplanet Research: Provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, especially sub-Saturn transition. Validating Exoplanet Migration Theories: Challenges existing models of high-eccentricity tidal migration (HEM) and disk-driven migration. Advancing Indian Space Science: Marks India’s second exoplanet discovery using PARAS-2, showcasing scientific capabilities in astronomy. Binary System Planetary Evolution: One of only five known sub-Saturns in a binary system, aiding studies on gravitational influences on planetary orbits.

• Enhancing Exoplanet Research: Provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, especially sub-Saturn transition.

• Validating Exoplanet Migration Theories: Challenges existing models of high-eccentricity tidal migration (HEM) and disk-driven migration.

• Advancing Indian Space Science: Marks India’s second exoplanet discovery using PARAS-2, showcasing scientific capabilities in astronomy.

• Binary System Planetary Evolution: One of only five known sub-Saturns in a binary system, aiding studies on gravitational influences on planetary orbits.