Kepler-90: An Exoplanetary Marvel

The Kepler-90 system stands as a remarkable marvel in astronomical discoveries, boasting the highest number of confirmed planets in any single system to date, comprising an incredible eight transiting planets identified during the NASA Kepler mission.

Fascinating TTVs Unveiled

Among these celestial bodies, the outermost planets g and h have caught the attention of astronomers due to their significant transit-timing variations (TTVs). Despite being only recorded a mere six and three times respectively, these TTVs reveal vital clues about their gravitational interplay and, consequently, their masses through dynamic modeling.

Combining Forces for Precision

To attain precise measurements of the masses and orbits of these planets, researchers ingeniously combined 34 radial velocity (RV) measurements over a decade with the existing Kepler transit data. This collaborative approach allowed for a sophisticated modeling of the transit timings of planets g and h.

A Glimpse into the Future

Using this refined model, scientists made predictions about future transit events. Excitingly, this investigative endeavor led to the successful observation of a transit of Kepler-90 g with ground-based observatories slated for May 2024.

Revamping Our Understanding of Kepler-90

The inclusion of this new transit, along with previously unpublished observations of planets g and h, significantly updated the calculated masses to 15.0±1.3M⊕ for planet g and 203±16M⊕ for planet h, thanks to a Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis. These insights not only enrich our understanding of the Kepler-90 system but also lay the groundwork for potential atmospheric characterizations using advanced space-based technology.

A Collaboration of Cosmic Proportions

This groundbreaking study is a result of the collaborative efforts of an extensive team, bringing together expertise from various researchers dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of our universe. Their work illuminates the path forward in exoplanetary research and promises thrilling discoveries ahead.