Joás Zapata, Rodrigo Negreiros

The Astrophysical Journal

20/03/2020

Abstract

In this paper we consider the possibility that strange quark matter (SQM) may manifest in the form of strangelet crystal planets. These planet-like objects are made up of nuggets of SQM, organized in a crystalline structure. We consider the so-called strange matter hypothesis proposed by Bodmer, Witten, and Terazawa, in that SQM may be the absolutely stable state of matter. In this context, we analyze planets made up entirely of strangelets arranged in a crystal lattice. Furthermore, we propose that a solar system with a host compact star may be orbited by strange crystal planets. Under this assumption we calculate the relevant quantities that could potentially be observable, such as the planetary tidal disruption radius, and the gravitational-wave signals that may arise from potential star–planet merger events. Our results show that strangelet crystal planets could potentially be used as an indicator for the existence of SQM.

10.3847/1538-4357/ab77b7