Grant M. Kennedy et al 2006 ApJ 650 L139 doi:10.1086/508882
Grant M. Kennedy1, Scott J. Kenyon2 and Benjamin C. Bromley3
Show affiliationsWe develop a semianalytic model for planet formation during the pre-main-sequence contraction phase of a low-mass star. During this evolution, the stellar magnetosphere maintains a fixed ratio between the inner disk radius and the stellar radius. As the star contracts at constant effective temperature, the "snow line," which separates regions of rocky planet formation from regions of icy planet formation, moves inward. This process enables rapid formation of icy protoplanets that collide and merge into super-Earths before the star reaches the main sequence. The masses and orbits of these super-Earths are consistent with super-Earths detected in recent microlensing experiments.
planetary systems: formation; planetary systems: protoplanetary disks; stars: evolution; stars: formation
Issue 2 (2006 October 20)
Received 2006 July 11, accepted for publication 2006 September 5
Published 2006 October 2
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