The Solar System
What makes Tau Bootis unique?
Answered by
Dr. Evgenya Shkolnik
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Dr. Evgenya Shkolnik
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Dr. Evgenya Shkolnik Astronomer, Lowell Observatory
TRANSCRIPT:
Tau Bootis is interesting because it's one of two systems with hot Jupiters that has been tidally locked to its planet. What that means is that the stellar rotation period is the same as the planet's orbital period.The planet orbits in a three-day orbit, and the star rotates on the three-day cycle, so the planet always sees the same side of the star. This is very unusual, and it's probably due to tides. The planet is very massive. Tau Bootis's planet has over four Jupiter masses, so it's one of the more massive planets. It's managed to, at the very least, tidally lock the outer layer of the star.
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