Abstract
Abstract One of the primary surprises of exoplanet detections has been the discovery of compact planetary systems, whereby numerous planets reside within ∼0.5 au of the host star. Many of these kinds of systems have been discovered in recent years, indicating that they are a fairly common orbital architecture. Of particular interest are those systems for which the host star is low mass, thus potentially enabling one or more of the planets to lie within the habitable zone of the host star. One of the contributors to the habitability of the Earth is the presence of a substantial moon whose tidal effects can stabilize axial tilt variations and increase the rate of tidal pool formation. Here, we explore the constraints on the presence of moons for planets in compact systems based on Hill radii and Roche limit considerations. We apply these constraints to the TRAPPIST-1 system and demonstrate that most of the planets are very likely to be worlds without moons.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
