Introduces MGIC_rv, an information criterion that combines conditional RV likelihood with an effective parameter count for selecting multi-GP models focused on radial velocities.
Understanding the Mass-Radius Relation for Sub-Neptunes: Radius as a Proxy for Composition
8 Pith papers cite this work. Polarity classification is still indexing.
abstract
Transiting planet surveys like Kepler have provided a wealth of information on the distribution of planetary radii, particularly for the new populations of super-Earth and sub-Neptune sized planets. In order to aid in the physical interpretation of these radii, we compute model radii for low-mass rocky planets with hydrogen-helium envelopes. We provide model radii for planets 1-20 Earth masses, with envelope fractions from 0.01-20%, levels of irradiation 0.1-1000x Earth's, and ages from 100 Myr to 10 Gyr. In addition we provide simple analytic fits that summarize how radius depends on each of these parameters. Most importantly, we show that at fixed composition, radii show little dependence on mass for planets with more than ~1% of their mass in their envelope. Consequently, planetary radius is to first order a proxy for planetary composition for Neptune and sub-Neptune sized planets. We recast the observed mass-radius relationship as a mass-composition relationship and discuss it in light of traditional core accretion theory. We discuss the transition from rocky super-Earths to sub-Neptune planets with large volatile envelopes. We suggest 1.75 Earth radii as a physically motivated dividing line between these two populations of planets. Finally, we discuss these results in light of the observed radius occurrence distribution found by Kepler.
years
2026 8representative citing papers
High-resolution M-band spectroscopy detects super-stellar SiO in TWA 5 B, implying no significant magnesium-silicate clouds and formation consistent with core accretion beyond the CO snowline or gravitational instability with solid enrichment.
Water- and metal-rich atmospheres on compact hot mini-Neptunes lose mass more slowly than H/He cases at high enrichment levels due to enhanced cooling and higher mean molecular weight.
Two extremely low-density Jupiter-sized planets on long-period orbits around TOI-791 were confirmed via ground-based photometry and TTV-derived masses.
Generates and publicly releases 81,498 detrended Kepler light curves plus a catalog of 87 periodic variables (26 new) in the 2.5 Gyr cluster NGC 6819 using Gaia DR3 for membership.
New 2025 transit timing for HIP 41378 f confirms large TTVs and is combined with prior data on planets d and e in an N-body model to update ephemerides and predict future transits.
Observational study of 290 exoplanet-host stars finds higher C, O, S, Fe, Ni abundances in giant-planet hosts than small-planet hosts, with C/O ratios, hot/warm differences, and mass correlations that vary by subpopulation.
Detection and characterization of two eccentric warm Jupiters TOI-2147 b (P=26.2 d, e=0.29, M=116 M⊕) and TOI-6019 b (P=14.5 d, e=0.48, M=149 M⊕) with TESS and MaHPS data, showing mildly inflated radii consistent with tidal heating.
citing papers explorer
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Kepler Image-Subtracted Light Curves and Variable Star Catalog of NGC 6819
Generates and publicly releases 81,498 detrended Kepler light curves plus a catalog of 87 periodic variables (26 new) in the 2.5 Gyr cluster NGC 6819 using Gaia DR3 for membership.