Using JWST Transits and Occultations to Determine ∼1% Stellar Radii and Temperatures of Low-mass Stars

Abstract

Using JWST observations of a primary transit and two secondary eclipses for GJ 1214b, we determine an eccentricity that is more precise than a decade of HARPS data, which enables us to measure the stellar density to 2.62%. Coupled with a prior on the stellar mass from a dynamically calibrated K _S – M _* relation, we determine R _* to 1.13%—3 times more precise than any other published analysis of this system. Then, using the bolometric flux from a spectral energy distribution model, we determine T _eff to 1.39%—40% more precise than systematic floors from spectroscopy. Within the global model, these also improve the planetary radius and insolation. This is a proof of concept for a new method to determine accurate R _* and T _eff to a precision currently achieved for only a small number of low-mass stars. By applying our method to all high signal-to-noise ratio planetary transits and occultations, we can expand the sample of precisely measured stars without assuming tidal circularization and calibrate new relations to improve our understanding of all low-mass stars.

Keywords

• Super Earths
• Low mass stars
• Exoplanet astronomy
• Eclipses
• Occultation