TOI-4600 hosts two long-period giant planets with strong transit timing variations

Star system: TOI 4600 | Distance from the Sun: 706 light years

TOI-4600 is an early K dwarf star with two rare, transiting giant planets on long orbits. TOI-4600b has an orbital period of about 83 days and a mass of nearly 75 Earth masses, while TOI-4600c orbits every 483 days and is about 213 Earth masses. Both planets show significant transit timing variations, with their transits shifting by about an hour, indicating strong gravitational interactions between them.

Researchers combined new TESS data, ground-based observations, and precise radial velocity measurements to refine the planets' masses, orbits, and eccentricities. The results show that both planets have slightly elliptical orbits and are excellent targets for atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope. Their long periods and cool temperatures make them valuable for understanding the atmospheres and dynamics of temperate and cold giant exoplanets, a group that is still not well studied.

These findings provide important updates for future observations and help scientists plan detailed studies of the TOI-4600 system's planets and their interactions.

Key findings
- TOI-4600 hosts two long-period giant planets, both with strong transit timing variations
- TOI-4600b: 83-day period, 75 Earth masses, slightly eccentric orbit
- TOI-4600c: 483-day period, 213 Earth masses, slightly more eccentric
- Both planets are promising targets for JWST atmospheric studies
- Results improve understanding of temperate and cold giant exoplanets

Scientific study

RV and TTV Measurements of Two Transiting Long-Period Giants around TOI-4600 (external link)