Detection and validation of the exoplanet TOI-1080 b demonstrates its potential for detailed study, suggesting implications for understanding rocky worlds.
We present the detection and validation of a small, temperate transiting exoplanet orbiting TOI-1080 every 3.9652482-0.0000015+0.0000014 days. The host is a quiet M4V star at 25.6 pc. The planet signal was first detected by TESS and validated using TESS and ground-based observations. By fitting the available light curves, the planet radius is measured to be 1.200 ± 0.058R⊕ and its equilibrium temperature of 368-10.⁺¹² K. With NIRPS radial velocities, we are able to place a 3-σ upper limit on the mass of TOI-1080 b of 10.7 M⊕.Our injection-recovery tests enable us to discard additional transiting planets in the TOI-1080 system with radii down to 0.9 R⊕ and periods between 0.5 and 7.7 days, and planets with radii larger than 1.4 R⊕ for periods up to 19 days. We demonstrate that it is highly amenable to characterisation of its mass and putative atmosphere. In particular, we find that TOI-1080 b is an exceptional target for the ongoing JWST+HST Rocky Worlds DDT programme, having a priority score that is higher than four out of nine targets currently being investigated by the programme. TOI-1080 b can be added to the sample of nearby benchmark planets accessible for detailed study with JWST.
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