UC Irvine Archives

Planet M–R and mass–density distributions of literature and TGLC-fitted values. (a) M–R distribution of small TESS planets. (b) Mass–density distribution of small TESS planets. Both panels include the high-precision planet sample with TESS-free literature values (gray diamond) and TESS-dependent TGLC-fitted values (black empty circle). The error bars represent 1σ Gaussian standard deviations. For each TESS-dependent TGLC-fitted value, a line connects it to the corresponding literature value, where the color of the line shows whether it increased (green) or decreased (orange) from the literature value. We also include theoretical models of planet compositions for the Earth-like (red), water worlds (blue), and rocky planets with atmospheres (brown). The last model accounts for the boil-off initial conditions (solid brown) and a range of agnostic initial conditions (region between dashed brown). Earth and Neptune are included for reference. -- The Astrophysical Journal Letters

Astronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Hundreds Of TESS Exoplanets Might Be Larger Than We Thought

by Keith CowingJuly 15, 2025July 14, 2025

In new research, University of California, Irvine astronomers describe how more than 200 known exoplanets are likely much larger than previously thought. It’s a finding that could change which distant […]

We highlight the disparate architectures of the highest-known multiplicity planetary systems, as well as a few systems similar to TOI-1136. We highlight that the candidate seventh planet in TOI-1136 does not have a confidently detected orbital distance. Planet and stellar radii are scaled for comparison to other systems, though we emphasize that the planet-star size is not to scale. None of the systems exhibits a clear analog to any of the others, and all have the potential for very interesting, future study. -- UC Irvine

Astronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release

Unraveling The Mysteries Of Planet Formation And Evolution In A Distant Solar System

by Keith CowingJanuary 27, 2024January 27, 2024

A recently discovered solar system with six confirmed exoplanets and a possible seventh is boosting astronomers’ knowledge of planet formation and evolution. Relying on a globe-spanning arsenal of observatories and […]

UC Irvine

Hundreds Of TESS Exoplanets Might Be Larger Than We Thought

Unraveling The Mysteries Of Planet Formation And Evolution In A Distant Solar System

The Emergence Of Life In The Light Of Evolution

ReactionAtlas: Ab Origine Exploration Of Chemical Reaction Networks With Machine Learning

Mass Constraints For The K2-223 System Planets: An Ultra-short-period sub-Earth, A Short-period Super-Earth, And A Tentative Long-period Giant Planet

Double Gravity-Assist Rendezvous Trajectory to Halley’s Comet Using Deep-Space Low Thrust

Photometric Characterization Of Near-Earth Asteroids: Rotation, Taxonomy, And Candidate Evidence For Internal Cohesion