Optical and X-ray transients from planet-star mergers

We evaluate the prompt electromagnetic signatures of the merger between a massive close-in planet (a 'hot Jupiter') and its host star, events with an estimated Galactic rate of similar to 0.1-1 yr-(1.) Depending on the ratio of the mean density of the planet (rho) over bar (p) to that of the star (rho) over bar (star), a planet-star merger results in three possible outcomes. If (rho) over bar (p)/(rho) over bar (star) greater than or similar to 5, then the planet directly plunges below the stellar atmosphere before being disrupted by tidal forces. The dissipation of orbital energy creates a hot wake behind the planet, producing a extreme ultraviolet (EUV)/soft X-ray transient that increases in brightness and temperature as the planet sinks below the stellar surface. The peak luminosity L-EUV/X less than or similar to 10(36) erg s(-1) is achieved weeks to months prior to merger, after which the stellar surface is enshrouded by an outflow driven by the merger. The final stages of the inspiral are accompanied by an optical transient powered by the recombination of hydrogen in the outflow, which peaks at a luminosity of similar to 10(37)-10(38) erg s(-1) on a time-scale similar to days. If the star is instead significantly denser ((rho) over bar (p)/(rho) over bar (star) less than or similar to 5), then the planet overflows its Roche lobe above the stellar surface. For (rho) over bar (p)/(rho) over bar (star) less than or similar to 1 mass transfer is stable, resulting in the planet being accreted on the relatively slow time-scale set by tidal dissipation. However, for an intermediate-density range 1 less than or similar to (rho) over bar (p)/(rho) over bar (star) less than or similar to 5 mass transfer may instead be unstable, resulting in the dynamical disruption of the planet into an accretion disc around the star. Outflows from the super-Eddington accretion disc power an optical transient with a peak luminosity of similar to 10(37)-10(38) erg s(-1) and characteristic duration similar to week-months. Emission from the disc itself becomes visible once the accretion rate decreases below the Eddington rate, resulting in a bolometric brightening and shift of the spectral peak to ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Optical transients from both direct-impact merger and tidal-disruption events in some ways resemble classical novae, but can be distinguished by their higher ejecta mass and lower velocity around hundreds of km s(-1), and by hard pre- and post-cursor emission, respectively. The most promising search strategy is with combined surveys of nearby massive galaxies (e.g. M31) at optical, UV and X-ray wavelengths with cadences from days to months.