English

Leaning Sideways: VHS 1256-1257 b is a Super-Jupiter with a Uranus-like Obliquity

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics 2024-12-10 v1 Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

Abstract

We constrain the angular momentum architecture of VHS J125601.92-125723.9, a 140 ±\pm 20 Myr old hierarchical triple system composed of a low-mass binary and a widely-separated planetary-mass companion VHS 1256 b. VHS 1256 b has been a prime target for multiple characterization efforts, revealing the highest measured substellar photometric variability to date and the presence of silicate clouds and disequilibrium chemistry. Here we add a key piece to the characterization of this super-Jupiter on a Tatooine-like orbit; we measure its spin-axis tilt relative to its orbit, i.e. the obliquity of VHS 1256 b. We accomplish this by combining three measurements. We find a projected rotation rate vsinip=8.7±0.1km s1v \sin{i_p} = 8.7 \pm 0.1 \,\mathrm{km~s^{-1}} for VHS 1256 b using near-IR high-resolution spectra from Gemini/IGRINS. Combining this with a published photometric rotation period indicates that the companion is viewed edge-on, with a line-of-sight spin axis inclination of ip=90±18i_{\rm p} = 90^\circ \pm 18^\circ. We refit available astrometry measurements to confirm an orbital inclination of io=23+1013i_{\rm o} = 23 \substack{+10 \\ -13}^\circ. Taken together, VHS 1256 b has a large planetary obliquity of ψ=90±25\psi = 90^\circ \pm 25^\circ. In total, we have three measured angular momentum vectors for the system: the binary orbit normal, companion orbit normal, and companion spin axis. All three are misaligned with respect to each other. Although VHS 1256 b is tilted like Uranus, their origins are distinct. We rule out planet-like scenarios including collisions and spin-orbit resonances, and suggest that top-down formation via core/filament fragmentation is promising.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2410.02672,
  title  = {Leaning Sideways: VHS 1256-1257 b is a Super-Jupiter with a Uranus-like Obliquity},
  author = {Michael Poon and Marta L. Bryan and Hanno Rein and Caroline V. Morley and Gregory Mace and Yifan Zhou and Brendan P. Bowler},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.02672},
  year   = {2024}
}

Comments

accepted to AJ. 16 pages, 9 figures