The orbital solutions of published multi-planet systems are not necessarily dynamically stable on timescales comparable to the lifetime of the system as a whole. For this reason, dynamical tests of the architectures of proposed exoplanetary systems are a critical tool to probe the stability and feasibility of the candidate planetary systems, with the potential to point the way towards refined orbital parameters of those planets. Such studies can even help in the identification of additional companions in such systems. Here we examine the dynamical stability of three planetary systems, orbiting HD 67087, HD 110014, and HD 133131A. We use the published radial velocity measurements of the target stars to determine the best-fit orbital solutions for these planetary systems using the Systemic console. We then employ the n-body integrator Mercury to test the stability of a range of orbital solutions lying within 3-$σ$ of the nominal best-fit for a duration of 100 Myr. From the results of the n-body integrations, we infer the best-fit orbital parameters using the Bayesian package Astroemperor. We find that both HD 110014 and HD 133131A have long-term stable architectures that lie within the 1-$σ$ uncertainties of the nominal best-fit to their previously determined orbital solutions. However, the HD 67087 system exhibits a strong tendency toward instability on short timescales. We compare these results to the predictions made from consideration of the angular momentum deficit criterion, and find that its predictions are consistent with our findings.
The planetary effective surface temperature alone is insufficient to characterize exoplanet atmospheres and their stability or evolution. Considering the star-planet system as a whole is necessary, and a critical component of the system is the photoionizing stellar extreme ultraviolet emission (EUV; 100-912 Å). EUV photons drive atmospheric mass loss through thermal and nonthermal processes, and an accurate accounting of the EUV energy deposition in a planet's energy budget is essential, especially for terrestrial habitable zone planets and close-in gaseous planets. Direct EUV observations of …
Er et al. (2021) recently proposed a two-planet solution to account for eclipse timing variations (ETVs) observed from the sdB binary NY Virginis. We tested the proposed planetary system for orbit stability using both numerical simulations and chaotic behavior analysis. The best-fit orbits, as well as those with parameters varying by the published uncertainty range in each parameter, were unstable on a timescale much less than the presumed lifetime of the PCEB phase ($\sim$100 Myr). suggesting that the proposed circumbinary companions fail to provide a complete explanation for the observed ETV…
Little is known about the interaction between atmospheres and crusts of exoplanets so far, but future space missions and ground-based instruments are expected to detect molecular features in the spectra of hot rocky exoplanets. We aim to understand the composition of the gas in an exoplanet atmosphere which is in equilibrium with a planetary crust. Methods. The molecular composition of the gas above a surface made of a mixture of solid and liquid materials is determined by assuming phase equilibrium for given pressure, temperature and element abundances. We study total element abundances that …
SIMTERFERE: An optical interferometry simulator for quantifying the coherent flux stability of VLTI/GRAVITY+. Reaching per mill stability: Application to exoplanet spectroscopy
Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie（马克斯·普朗克天文学研究所）；Fakultät für Physik und Astronomie, Universität Heidelberg（海德堡大学物理与天文学学院）；Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik（马克斯·普朗克地外物理学研究所）；I. Physikalisches Institut, Universität zu Köln（科隆大学第一物理研究所）
Exoplanet detection in the past decade by efforts including NASA's Kepler and TESS missions has discovered many worlds that differ substantially from planets in our own Solar system, including more than 400 exoplanets orbiting binary or multi-star systems. This not only broadens our understanding of the diversity of exoplanets, but also promotes our study of exoplanets in the complex binary and multi-star systems and provides motivation to explore their habitability. In this study, we analyze orbital stability of exoplanets in non-coplanar circumbinary systems using a numerical simulation meth…
We investigate the chemical stability of CO2-dominated atmospheres of desiccated M dwarf terrestrial exoplanets using a 1-dimensional photochemical model. Around Sun-like stars, CO2 photolysis by Far-UV (FUV) radiation is balanced by recombination reactions that depend on water abundance. Planets orbiting M dwarf stars experience more FUV radiation, and could be depleted in water due to M dwarfs' prolonged, high-luminosity pre-main sequences (Luger & Barnes 2015). We show that, for water-depleted M dwarf terrestrial planets, a catalytic cycle relying on H2O2 photolysis can maintain a CO2 atmos…
We herein utilize the general three-body problem (GTBP) as a model, in order to simulate resonant systems consisting of a star and two planets, where at least one of them is highly eccentric. We study them in terms of their long-term stability, via the construction of maps of dynamical stability and the computation of the corresponding families of periodic orbits. We identify the way their survival is connected with the regions of regular motion in phase space, which, in turn, were created by stable resonant periodic orbits in their vicinity. Consequently, a phase protection mechanism is provi…
We propose a novel method applied to extrasolar planetary dynamics to describe the system stability. The observations in this field serve the measurements mainly of radial velocity, transit time, and/or celestial position. These scalar time series are used to build up the high-dimensional phase space trajectory representing the dynamical evolution of planetary motion. The framework of nonlinear time series analysis and Poincaré recurrences allows us to transform the obtained univariate signals into complex networks whose topology carries the dynamical properties of the underlying system. The n…
Many of exoplanetary systems consist of more than one planet and the study of planetary orbits with respect to their long-term stability is very interesting. Furthermore, many exoplanets seem to be locked in a mean-motion resonance (MMR), which offers a phase protection mechanism, so that, even highly eccentric planets can avoid close encounters. However, the present estimation of their initial conditions, which may change significantly after obtaining additional observational data in the future, locate most of the systems in chaotic regions and consequently, they are destabilized. Hence, dyna…
We investigate the dynamics of small trojan exoplanets in domains of secondary resonances within the tadpole domain of motion. We consider the limit of a massless trojan companion of a giant planet. Without other planets, this is a case of the elliptic restricted three body problem (ERTBP). The presence of more planets (the restricted multi-planet problem, RMPP) induces new direct and indirect secular effects on the trojan's dynamics. In the theoretical part of this paper, we develop a Hamiltonian formalism in action-angle variables, which allows to treat in a unified way resonant dynamics and…
Interior redox state effects on the stability of secondary atmospheres and observational manifestations: LP 791-18 d as a case study for outgassing rocky exoplanets
本研究以 LP 791-18 d 为例，耦合内部氧化还原状态与大气过程，揭示氧逸度对大气稳定性和观测特征的控制作用。
Spectrophotometric stability, which is crucial in the spectral characterization of transiting exoplanets, is affected by photometric variations arising from field-stop loss in space telescopes with pointing jitter or primary mirror deformation. This paper focuses on a new method for removing slit-loss or field-stop-loss photometric variation through the use of a pupil mask. Two types of pupil function are introduced: the first uses conventional (e.g., Gaussian or hyper-Gaussian) apodizing patterns; whereas the second, which we call a block-shaped mask, employs a new type of pupil mask designed…
The requirement that planetary systems be dynamically stable is often used to vet new discoveries or set limits on unconstrained masses or orbital elements. This is typically carried out via computationally expensive N-body simulations. We show that characterizing the complicated and multi-dimensional stability boundary of tightly packed systems is amenable to machine learning methods. We find that training an XGBoost machine learning algorithm on physically motivated features yields an accurate classifier of stability in packed systems. On the stability timescale investigated ($10^7$ orbits),…
Aims. The aim of this work is to study the dynamical effects of the Galaxy on binary star systems with physical and orbital charac- teristics similar to those of the population of known wide binary stars with exoplanets. As secondary goal we analyse the possible consequences on the stability of a hypothetical planetary system orbiting one of the stellar components. Methods. We numerically reproduced the temporal evolution of a sample of 3 * 10 5 binary star systems disturbed by the Galactic potential and passing stars in an environment similar to the solar neighbourhood. Results. Our results s…
Planetary architectures remain unexplored for the vast majority of exoplanetary systems, even among the closest ones, with potentially hundreds of planets still ``hidden" from our knowledge. DYNAMITE is a powerful software package that can predict the presence and properties of these yet undiscovered planets. We have significantly expanded the integrative capabilities of DYNAMITE, which now allows for (i) planets of unknown inclinations alongside planets of known inclinations, (ii) population statistics and model distributions for the eccentricity of planetary orbits, and (iii) three different…
We present the first results of our search for transiting exoplanet candidates as part of the Kourovka Planet Search (KPS) project. The primary objective of the project is to search for new hot Jupiters which transit their host stars, mainly in the Galactic plane, in the $R_c$ magnitude range of 11 to 14 mag. Our observations were performed with the telescope of the MASTER robotic network, installed at the Kourovka astronomical observatory of the Ural Federal University (Russia), and the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, installed at the private Acton Sky Portal Observatory (USA). As test obs…
We present eight new light curves of the transiting extra-solar planet HAT-P-25b obtained from 2013 to 2016 with three telescopes at two observatories. We use the new light curves, along with recent literature material, to estimate the physical and orbital parameters of the transiting planet. Specifically, we determine the mid-transit times (T$_{C}$) and update the linear ephemeris, T$_{C[0]}$=2456418.80996$\pm$0.00025 [$\mathrm{BJD}_\mathrm{TDB}$] and P=3.65281572$\pm$0.00000095 days. We carry out a search for transit timing variations (TTVs), and find no significant TTV signal at the $ΔT=$80…
The Barnard's Star Planetary System: Stability, Composition, and Evolution of Four Sub-Earth Exoplanets
Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge（剑桥大学天文学研究所）；Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Planetary Physics, Department of Physics, University of Oxford（牛津大学物理系大气、海洋与行星物理学）；Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, ETH Zurich（苏黎世联邦理工学院地球与行星科学系）；Centre for Star and Planet Formation, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen（哥本哈根大学全球研究所恒星与行星形成中心）；Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie（马克斯·普朗克天文学研究所）
In this paper, we present an application of the Shannon entropy in the case of the planar (non-restricted) four-body problem. Specifically, the Kepler-60 extrasolar system is being investigated with a primary interest in the resonant configuration of the planets that exhibit a chain of mean-motion commensurabilities with the ratios 5:4:3. In the dynamical maps provided, the Shannon entropy is utilized to explore the general structure of the phase space, while, based on the time evolution of the entropy, we determine also the extent and rate of the chaotic diffusion as well as the characteristi…
Hundreds of giant planets have been discovered so far and the quest of exo-Earths in giant planet systems has become intriguing. In this work, we aim to address the question of the possible long-term coexistence of a terrestrial companion on an orbit interior to a giant planet, and explore the extent of the stability regions for both non-resonant and resonant configurations. Our study focuses on the restricted three-body problem, where an inner terrestrial planet (massless body) moves under the gravitational attraction of a star and an outer massive planet on a circular or elliptic orbit. Usin…
One of the most interesting features in the libration domain of co-orbital motions is the existence of secondary resonances. For some combinations of physical parameters, these resonances occupy a large fraction of the domain of stability and rule the dynamics within the stable tadpole region. In this work, we present an application of a recently introduced `basic Hamiltonian model' Hb for Trojan dynamics, in Paez and Efthymiopoulos (2015), Paez, Locatelli and Efthymiopoulos (2016): we show that the inner border of the secondary resonance of lowermost order, as defined by Hb, provides a good e…
The angular momentum deficit (AMD) of a planetary system is a measure of its orbital excitation and a predictor of long-term stability. We adopt the AMD-stability criteria to constrain the orbital architectures for exoplanetary systems. Previously, He, Ford, & Ragozzine (2019) (arXiv:1907.07773v2) showed through forward modelling (SysSim) that the observed multiplicity distribution can be well reproduced by two populations consisting of a low and a high mutual inclination component. Here, we show that a broad distribution of mutual inclinations arising from systems at the AMD-stability limit c…
Aims. We report the detection of long-period radial velocity (RV) variations in three giant stars, HD 19615, HD 150010, and HD 174205, using precise RV measurements. Methods. These detections are part of the Search for Exoplanets around Northern Circumpolar Stars (SENS) survey being conducted at the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO). The nature of the RV variations was investigated by analyzing the photometric and line shape variations. We found no variability with the RV period in these quantities and conclude that the RV variations are most likely caused by planetary companions.…
The fine precision of photometric data available from missions like Kepler provide researchers with the ability to measure changes in light on the order of tens of parts per million (ppm). This level of precision allows researchers to measure the loss of light due to exoplanet transits as well as the light emitted by an exoplanet, or planetary photometric emissions. The planetary photometric emissions are due to the thermal emissions of the exoplanet, and reflected stellar light. In many cases it is assumed that the incident stellar light may be modeled as plane parallel rays. For extremely cl…
Phase curves are the best technique to probe the three dimensional structure of exoplanets' atmospheres. In this chapter we first review current exoplanets phase curve observations and the particular challenges they face. We then describe the different physical mechanisms shaping the atmospheric phase curves of highly irradiated tidally locked exoplanets. Finally, we discuss the potential for future missions to further advance our understanding of these new worlds.
Metal Oxide Clusters in Gas Giant Exoplanet Atmospheres
Space Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences（奥地利科学院空间研究所）；Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics, TU Graz（格拉茨工业大学理论与计算物理研究所）；Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE)（瑞士联邦知识产权局）；Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern（伯尔尼大学物理学院空间研究与行星科学系）
e Eridani, the fifth-closest Sun-like star, hosts at least three planets and could possibly harbor more. However, the veracity of the planet candidates in the system and its full planetary architecture remain unknown. Here we analyze the planetary architecture of e Eridani via DYNAMITE, a method providing an integrative assessment of the system architecture (and possibly yet-undetected planets) by combining statistical, exoplanet-population level knowledge with incomplete but specific information available on the system. DYNAMITE predicts the most likely location of an additional planet in the…
Models are developed to simulate lightcurves of stars dimmed by transiting exoplanets with and without rings. These models are then applied to \textit{Kepler} photometry to search for planetary rings in a sample of 21 exoplanets, mostly hot Jupiters, chosen to offer the best observational opportunity for discovering potential rings. We also examine what kinds of rings might be expected for these planets, in terms of both size and orientation, based on arguments involving the host planet's equilibrium temperature, its likely obliquities, and the formation and stability of possible ring systems.…
The Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite (NEOSSat) is a Canadian-led 15 cm Earth-orbiting telescope originally designed to detect asteroids near the Sun. Its design is however also suitable for the observation of exoplanetary transits of bright stars. We used the NEOSSat platform to perform followup observations of several Transiting Exoplanets Survey Satellite (TESS) targets, both as a demonstration of NEOSSat capabilities for exoplanetary science and improve the orbital ephemerides and properties of these exoplanet systems. We are able to recover / confirm the orbital properties of such …
Context: Seasonal variations and climate stability of a planet are very sensitive to the planet obliquity and its evolution. This is of particular interest for the emergence and sustainability of land-based life, but orbital and rotational parameters of exoplanets are still poorly constrained. Numerical explorations usually realised in this situation are thus in heavy contrast with the uncertain nature of the available data. Aims: We aim to provide an analytical formulation of the long-term spin-axis dynamics of exoplanets, linking it directly to physical and dynamical parameters, but still gi…
We present a high-precision radial velocity (RV) survey of 719 FGKM stars, which host 164 known exoplanets and 14 newly discovered or revised exoplanets and substellar companions. This catalog updated the orbital parameters of known exoplanets and long-period candidates, some of which have decades-longer observational baselines than they did upon initial detection. The newly discovered exoplanets range from warm sub-Neptunes and super-Earths to cold gas giants. We present the catalog sample selection criteria, as well as over 100,000 radial velocity measurements, which come from the Keck-HIRES…
Resonant planetary systems contain at least one planet pair with orbital periods librating at a near-integer ratio (2/1, 3/2, 4/3, etc.) and are a natural outcome of standard planetary formation theories. Systems with multiple adjacent resonant pairs are known as resonant chains and can exhibit three-body resonances -- characterized by a critical three-body angle. Here we study three-body angles as a diagnostic of resonant chains through tidally-damped N-body integrations. For each combination of the 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, and 5:4 mean motion resonances (the most common resonances in the known resonan…
The ESPRESSO spectrograph at ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has, since it began science operations in October 2018, revolutionised exoplanet science. The combination of the large VLT mirrors and the high resolution and stability of the spectrograph is enabling the detection of small, low-mass planets as well as detailed studies of the planets' atmospheres. In this article, we present a brief overview of the first results from ESPRESSO and a hopeful glimpse towards the ultimate goal of reaching the radial velocity precision of 10 cm/s needed to detect an Earth-like planet.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will revolutionize our understanding of exoplanets with transit spectroscopy of a wide range of mature planets close to their host stars ($<$2 AU) and with coronagraphic imaging and spectroscopy of young objects located further out ($>$10 AU). The census of exoplanets has revealed an enormous variety of planets orbiting stars of all ages and spectral types. With TESS adding to this census with its all-sky survey of the closest, brightest stars, the challenge of the coming decade will be to move from demography to physical characterization. This white paper…
Aims: We predict the exoplanet yield of a space-based mid-infrared nulling interferometer using Monte Carlo simulations. We quantify the number and properties of detectable exoplanets and identify those target stars that have the highest or most complete detection rate. We investigate how changes in the underlying technical assumptions and uncertainties in the underlying planet population impact the scientific return. Methods: We simulated $2'000$ exoplanetary systems, based on planet occurrence statistics from Kepler with randomly orientated orbits and uniformly distributed albedos around eac…
Polarimetry is about to become a powerful tool for determining the atmospheric properties of exoplanets. To provide the basis for the interpretation of observational results and for predictive studies to guide future observations, sophisticated analysis tools are required. Our goal is to develop a radiative transfer tool that contains all the relevant continuum polarization mechanisms for the comprehensive analysis of the polarized flux resulting from the scattering in the atmosphere of, on the surface of, and in the local planetary environment (e.g., planetary rings, exomoons) of extra-solar …
We assess the importance of tidal evolution and its interplay with magnetic braking in the population of hot-Jupiter planetary systems. By minimizing the total mechanical energy of a given system under the constraint of stellar angular momentum loss, we rigorously find the conditions for the existence of dynamical equilibrium states. We estimate their duration, in particular when the wind torque spinning down the star is almost compensated by the tidal torque spinning it up. We introduce dimensionless variables to characterize the tidal evolution of observed hot Jupiter systems and discuss the…
Exoplanetary science is on the verge of an unprecedented revolution. The thousands of exoplanets discovered over the past decade have most recently been supplemented by discoveries of potentially habitable planets around nearby low-mass stars. Currently, the field is rapidly progressing towards detailed spectroscopic observations to characterise the atmospheres of these planets. While various surveys from space and ground are expected to detect numerous more exoplanets orbiting nearby stars, the imminent launch of JWST along with large ground-based facilities are expected to revolutionise exop…
Cycling of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and interior of rocky planets can stabilize global climate and enable planetary surface temperatures above freezing over geologic time. However, variations in global carbon budget and unstable feedback cycles between planetary sub-systems may destabilize the climate of rocky exoplanets toward regimes unknown in the Solar System. Here, we perform clear-sky atmospheric radiative transfer and surface weathering simulations to probe the stability of climate equilibria for rocky, ocean-bearing exoplanets at instellations relevant for planetary system…
