Optical–infrared flares and radio afterglows by Jovian planets inspiraling into their host stars

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Abstract
When a planet inspirals into its host star, it releases gravitational energy, which is converted into an expanding bubble of hot plasma. We study the radiation from the bubble and show that it includes prompt optical–infrared emission and a subsequent radio afterglow. The prompt emission from M31 and the Large Magellanic Cloud is detectable by optical–near-infrared transient surveys with a large field of view. The subsequent radio afterglows are detectable for 103–104 yr. The event rate depends on uncertain parameters in the formation and dynamics of giant planets. Future observations of the rate will constrain related theoretical models. If the event rate is high ( ≳ a few events per year), the circumstellar disc must typically be massive, as suggested by recent numerical simulations.
Funding Information
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (15K05088)
  • National Sleep Foundation (1312034)

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