Jhon Yana Galarza
New insights into the Star-Planet Connection through Precision Spectroscopy
The discovery of nearly 5,800 exoplanets has revealed an astonishing diversity in planetary systems, emphasizing the complex processes behind planet formation. A key question remains: how are stars and planets chemically connected? One clue comes from the Sun, which seems depleted in refractory elements compared to solar twins—suggesting that these missing elements may be locked in the terrestrial planets of our Solar System. Lithium depletion has also been linked to exoplanet formation; however, this remains debated since lithium can also be enhanced when a star engulfs its planets. By analyzing a carefully selected sample of planet-hosting stars, we found that the Sun is chemically typical among solar analogs, challenging the idea that it is unusually depleted in refractory elements. Additionally, we identified significant enhancements in elements such as C, Ca, Co, Cu, Ni, Na, and S in planet-hosting stars—particularly at low metallicities—suggesting a potential role in exoplanet formation. Furthermore, we found no evidence of extra lithium depletion in host stars compared to single stars. These results help refine our understanding of how stars and planets are connected, offering new insights into the chemistry of planetary systems.
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. New insights into the Star-Planet Connection through Precision Spectroscopy
