Evidence for reflected light from the most eccentric exoplanet known

摘要: Planets in highly eccentric orbits form a class of objects not seen within our solar system. The most extreme case known among these is the planet orbiting HD 20782, with an orbital period 597 days and eccentricity 0.96. Here we present new data analysis for this system as part Transit Ephemeris Refinement Monitoring Survey. We obtained CHIRON spectra to perform independent estimation fundamental stellar parameters. New radial velocities from Anglo-Australian Telescope PARAS observations during periastron passage greatly improve knowledge nature orbit. combined Keplerian Hipparcos astrometry show that inclination planetary orbit > 1o.22, ruling out masses companion. Our long-term robotic photometry star extremely stable over long timescales. Photometric monitoring predicted transit times using Microvariability Oscillations STars rule reveal evidence phase variations periastron. These possible photometric may be caused by reflected light planet's atmosphere dramatic change star–planet separation surrounding passage.