Forever alone? Testing single eccentric planetary systems for multiple companions

Robert A. Wittenmyer, Songhu Wang, Jonathan Horner, C.G. Tinney, R. P. Butler, H.R.A. Jones, S. J. O'Toole, J. Bailey, B. D. Carter, G. S. Salter, D. Wright, Ji-Lin Zhou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)
68 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Determining the orbital eccentricity of an extrasolar planet is critically important for understanding the system's dynamical environment and history. However, eccentricity is often poorly determined or entirely mischaracterized due to poor observational sampling, low signal-to-noise, and/or degeneracies with other planetary signals. Some systems previously thought to contain a single, moderate-eccentricity planet have been shown, after further monitoring, to host two planets on nearly circular orbits. We investigate published apparent single-planet systems to see if the available data can be better fit by two lower-eccentricity planets. We identify nine promising candidate systems and perform detailed dynamical tests to confirm the stability of the potential new multiple-planet systems. Finally, we compare the expected orbits of the single-and double-planet scenarios to better inform future observations of these interesting systems.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2
Number of pages16
JournalAstrophysical Journal, Supplement Series
Volume208
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2013

Keywords

  • planetary systems
  • techniques: radial velocities
  • EXTRA-SOLAR PLANETS
  • METALLICITY-BIASED SEARCH
  • TRANSITING HOT JUPITERS
  • INTERMEDIATE-PERIOD PLANETS
  • HOBBY-EBERLY TELESCOPE
  • LOW-MASS COMPANIONS
  • HARPS SEARCH
  • CORALIE SURVEY
  • LONG-PERIOD
  • GIANT PLANET

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