Conflicting Conclusions (Part 1) in the Race to Analyze OGLE-2012-BLG-0406

SUPER-MASSIVE PLANETS AROUND LATE-TYPE STARS—THE CASE OF OGLE-2012-BLG-0406Lb

Authors:

Poleski et al


Abstract:

Super-Jupiter-mass planets should form only beyond the snow line of host stars. However, the core accretion theory of planetary formation does not predict super-Jupiters forming around low-mass hosts. We present a discovery of a 3.9 ± 1.2 M Jup mass planet orbiting the 0.59 ± 0.17 M ☉ star using the gravitational microlensing method. During the event, the projected separation of the planet and the star is 3.9 ± 1.0 AU, i.e., the planet is significantly further from the host star than the snow line. This is the fourth such planet discovered using the microlensing technique and challenges the core accretion theory.