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Probable detection of starlight reflected from the giant planet orbiting τ Boötis

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  • Andrew Collier Cameron

    (School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh)

  • Keith Horne

    (School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh)

  • Alan Penny

    (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton)

  • David James

    (School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh)

Abstract

In the four years following the discovery of a planet orbiting the star 51 Pegasi, about 20 other planets have been detected through their influence on the radial velocities of lines in the stellar spectra. The orbital motion of the planet is detected through the smaller ‘reflex motion’ of the star, which can be measured using high-precision spectroscopy. This indirect technique cannot investigate the radius or composition of the planet, and can place only a lower limit on its mass. Here we report the probable detection of Doppler-shifted starlight reflected from the planet known to orbit τ Boötis with a period of just a few days. We find that the orbital inclination is about i = 29°, from which we infer that the mass is about eight times that of Jupiter. The planet has the size and reflectivity expected for a gas-giant planet.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Collier Cameron & Keith Horne & Alan Penny & David James, 1999. "Probable detection of starlight reflected from the giant planet orbiting τ Boötis," Nature, Nature, vol. 402(6763), pages 751-755, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:402:y:1999:i:6763:d:10.1038_45451
    DOI: 10.1038/45451
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