On the Need for a Classification System for Consistent Characterization of the Composition of Planetary Bodies. (arXiv:2108.03343v3 [astro-ph.EP] UPDATED)

On the Need for a Classification System for Consistent Characterization of the Composition of Planetary Bodies. (arXiv:2108.03343v3 [astro-ph.EP] UPDATED)
<a href="http://arxiv.org/find/astro-ph/1/au:+Russell_D/0/1/0/all/0/1">David G. Russell</a>

A classification system is presented for characterizing the composition of
planetary bodies. From mass-radius and mass-density relationships, planets may
be broadly grouped into five composition classes identified as: Gas Giant,
Rock-Ice Giant, gas-rich Terrestrial, Rock Terrestrial, and Rock-Ice
Terrestrial based upon the mass fractions of H-He gas, rock, and ice. For each
of these broad composition classes, specific bulk composition classes are
defined and characterized with Solar System analog names. The classification
system allows for both general and detailed characterization of exoplanets
based upon planetary mass-radius-composition models and provides rationale for
distinguishing gas-rich super-Earths from mini-Neptunes.

A classification system is presented for characterizing the composition of
planetary bodies. From mass-radius and mass-density relationships, planets may
be broadly grouped into five composition classes identified as: Gas Giant,
Rock-Ice Giant, gas-rich Terrestrial, Rock Terrestrial, and Rock-Ice
Terrestrial based upon the mass fractions of H-He gas, rock, and ice. For each
of these broad composition classes, specific bulk composition classes are
defined and characterized with Solar System analog names. The classification
system allows for both general and detailed characterization of exoplanets
based upon planetary mass-radius-composition models and provides rationale for
distinguishing gas-rich super-Earths from mini-Neptunes.

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