CoRoT-10b

CoRoT-10b is an extrasolar planet discovered orbiting the star CoRoT-10, located approximately 1,100 light-years away in the constellation Monoceros. It was discovered in 2010 by the CoRoT (Convection, Rotation & Planetary Transits) space telescope using the transit method, which detects the slight dimming of a star as a planet passes in front of it.

CoRoT-10b is a gas giant, classified as a hot Jupiter due to its large size and proximity to its host star. It has a mass approximately 2.75 times that of Jupiter and a radius about 0.97 times Jupiter's radius. This makes it somewhat denser than Jupiter.

The planet orbits its star very closely, with an orbital period of just 13.24 days. This close proximity results in a high equilibrium temperature, estimated to be around 773 Kelvin (500 degrees Celsius or 932 degrees Fahrenheit).

A notable characteristic of CoRoT-10b is its highly eccentric orbit. With an eccentricity of approximately 0.53, its distance from its star varies significantly throughout its orbit. This large eccentricity may be due to gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies in the system, though no other planets have been confirmed in the CoRoT-10 system. The variable distance from the star causes significant tidal forces on the planet, potentially leading to increased internal heating and volcanic activity, although this remains speculative.

The discovery of CoRoT-10b provided valuable data for understanding the diversity of exoplanets and the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Its unusual orbital characteristics make it a significant object of study for astronomers seeking to understand the complex interactions that shape planetary systems.