Dark Matters: Dr. Yang Bai on the Existence of Dark Exoplanets

Welcome to another enlightening episode where today we're joined by Dr. Yang Bai, who challenges the prevailing assumption in exoplanetary science. In an unconventional proposition, Dr. Bai suggests that some exoplanets could be comprised of dark matter, a hypothesis leading to the concept of "dark exoplanets."Throughout the episode, Dr. Bai explores various methods to detect these hypothesized dark exoplanets. From the mass-radius relation to spectroscopy, missing transit, and transit light curve methods, we delve into the exciting and innovative techniques that could uncover these celestial bodies.Our focus turns to the transit light curve method, as Dr. Bai details how this approach can differentiate between partially transparent dark exoplanets and fully opaque ordinary exoplanets. Drawing from both observed exoplanet data and dark exoplanet mock data; we'll explore how this method could potentially reveal the existence of dark exoplanets.Interestingly, Dr. Bai's analysis suggests that with current telescope sensitivities, dark exoplanets with a large radius (above around 10% of the star radius) and a small optical depth (below around one) could be identified.Join us on this intriguing journey into the unseen world of dark exoplanets as we explore the boundaries of our knowledge of the cosmos and challenge the very assumptions that have guided our understanding of the universe.https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2303.12129