Quote of the Week
Scientists have discovered a planet that shouldn't exist. The finding, they say, could alter our understanding of orbital dynamics, a field considered pretty well settled since the time of astronomer Johannes Kepler 400 years ago.So says an article about the discovery of the hot Jupiter Wasp-18b, by C. Hellier et al. Thanks, Lobo7922.
posted by Kea | 9:46 PM
7 Comments:
This would be in TGD framework something analogous to what happened when it was realized that electrons in atoms should spiral to the atomic nucleus. See a brief comment at my blog.
A very good analogy indeed, Matti. Sigh. Over many years now I have seen physicists go from disparaging category theory to loving it, from disparaging non local theories to loving them, from disparaging the idea of quantum cosmology to loving it. Now I suppose we will have to watch them come to love the consequences of quantum cosmology for stellar system dynamics ... all the while forgetting about the people who told them so all along.
The Nature article.
Physics World.
If rotation rate of star and planet are synchronised with orbit period then there will be no tidal energy loss.
It is common for satellite or planet to synchronise its rotation rate with orbit rate (e.g. our moon) If star is originally rotating faster than planet's orbit time, then all will sync up when it comes close enough.
But that would be an obvious possibility. Did they rule it out?
Phil, if you read the Nature paper you will see that they know the rotation rate of the star quite accurately from spectral data.
I don't have access to the Nature article but that would explain how they rule it out, thanks.
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