Thermo-chemical Evolution and Formation of Super-Earths and Mini-Neptunes

超级地球和迷你海王星的热化学演化和形成

• 批准号: RGPIN-2021-02706
• 负责人: Valencia, Diana
• 金额: $ 2.48万
• 依托单位: University of Toronto
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=742168
• 关键词: Thermo; chemical; Evolution; Formation; Super

It has been only 25 years since we have had evidence for planets in orbit around other stars. Over this short period of time, this new research field of exoplanets has transitioned from studying the large gaseous objects, to now focusing intensely on the low-mass exoplanets: super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. Absent from our solar system, we had not predicted their existence. However, we have evidence that such planets are the most common astrophysical objects in the Galaxy, and it is clear that they provide rich insight into an almost totally unexplored physical regime. They are the worthy subjects of current and upcoming intense observational campaigns, which means the race is on to understand the physics of these planets. Because super-Earths and mini-Neptunes are predominantly rocky, albeit the latter having a small and important gaseous atmosphere, an astronomy-only theoretical approach to studying these planets is inadequate. The complex rocky interior dominates their physical properties and is best described using geophysical principles. This is precisely the distinctive approach I bring to problem-solving, combining astrophysics and geophysics, and it is what sets me apart from most astronomers studying planets. My interdisciplinary approach lets me dive into foundational questions that are otherwise poorly solved and underpins my leadership in the study of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. To this end, in this proposal I describe a program of investigation for my research team whose goals are to: (1) understand the range of planetary compositions that nature produces for low-mass exoplanets, (2) determine the role of giant impact collisions in shaping the composition of the low-mass planet population, (3) map the connections between atmospheric composition and interior dynamics of rocky and ocean super-Earths in order to connect observations to interior physical processes, (4) determine what sets the volatile content in a planet, and (5) understand how tidal heating affects habitability. This internationally-leading research will have tremendous impact on the astronomy and planetary science communities and will consolidate Canada's leadership in the area of exoplanets. This research field is exponentially growing and poised to produce wondrous results, while being highly-relatable to a diverse audience. The innovative research proposed here on super-Earths and mini-Neptunes, with the `made-in-Canada' seal, will attract new talent to Canadian STEM programs and captivate the public's attention.

自从我们在其他恒星周围轨道上有行星的证据已经只有25年了。在短时间内，这个新的系外行星的研究领域已经从研究大气态物体转变为现在，重点关注低质量系外行星：超级货币和迷你核。我们没有太阳系，我们没有预测它们的存在。但是，我们有证据表明，这样的行星是银河系中最常见的天体物理物体，很明显，它们为几乎完全没有探索的物理状态提供了丰富的见解。它们是当前和即将举行的激烈观察运动的值得的主题，这意味着种族正在理解这些行星的物理学。由于超级诞生和迷你纽扣主要是岩石的，尽管后者具有小而重要的气态气氛，所以研究这些行星的仅天文学理论方法是不足的。复杂的岩石内饰主导其物理特性，并使用地球物理原理最好地描述。 This is precisely the distinctive approach I bring to problem-solving, combining astrophysics and geophysics, and it is what sets me apart from most astronomers studying planets.我的跨学科方法使我能够深入研究基本问题，这些问题否则可以解决，并支持我在研究超级季节和迷你纽扣方面的领导地位。 To this end, in this proposal I describe a program of investigation for my research team whose goals are to: (1) understand the range of planetary compositions that nature produces for low-mass exoplanets, (2) determine the role of giant impact collisions in shaping the composition of the low-mass planet population, (3) map the connections between atmospheric composition and interior dynamics of rocky and ocean super-Earths in order to connect observations to interior physical过程，（4）确定是什么设置了行星中挥发性含量的原因，（5）了解潮汐加热如何影响可居住性。这项国际领先的研究将对天文学和行星科学社区产生巨大影响，并将巩固加拿大在系外行星领域的领导。这个研究领域的成倍增长，并准备产生奇妙的结果，同时对多样化的受众来说是高度改善的。在这里提出的关于超级境界和迷你纽扣的创新研究，并带有“加拿大制造”印章，将吸引加拿大STEM计划的新人才，并引起公众的注意。