Single-planet Systems Research Articles

HD 21520 b: a warm sub-Neptune transiting a bright G dwarf

ABSTRACT We report the discovery and validation of HD 21520 b, a transiting planet found with Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and orbiting a bright G dwarf (V = 9.2, $T_{\rm eff} = 5871 \pm 62$ K, $R_{\star } = 1.04\pm 0.02\, {\rm R}_{\odot }$). HD 21520 b was originally alerted as a system (TOI-4320) consisting of two planet candidates with periods of 703.6 and 46.4 d. However, our analysis supports instead a single-planet system with an orbital period of $25.1292\pm 0.0001$ d and radius of $2.70 \pm 0.09\, {\rm R}_{{\oplus }}$. Three full transits in sectors 4, 30, and 31 match this period and have transit depths and durations in agreement with each other, as does a partial transit in sector 3. We also observe transits using CHEOPS and LCOGT. SOAR and Gemini high-resolution imaging do not indicate the presence of any nearby companions, and Minerva-Australis and CORALIE radial velocities rule out an on-target spectroscopic binary. Additionally, we use ESPRESSO radial velocities to obtain a tentative mass measurement of $7.9^{+3.2}_{-3.0}\, {\rm M}_{{\oplus }}$, with a 3$\sigma$ upper limit of 17.7 ${\rm M}_{{\oplus }}$. Due to the bright nature of its host and likely significant gas envelope of the planet, HD 21520b is a promising candidate for further mass measurements and for atmospheric characterization.

Vibration sideband modulation mechanism and analytical signal modelling of the ring gear in a planetary gear set

To address the vibration and modulation sideband mechanism problems, this paper proposes a dynamic model for the planetary gear transmission (PGT). Based on the time-varying vibration transfer path analysis, a novel analytical vibration signal model is derived using the mode superposition method to study the vibration characteristics of the ring gear. In the presented signal model, we analyze the complicated modulation sidebands in terms of frequency and reveal the amplitude modulation effect of the carrier. Results show that amplitudes of modulation sidebands are slightly asymmetric for a single planet system, while the amplitudes of modulation sidebands are asymmetric for the multiple planets system. Furthermore, methods for suppressing the vibration are proposed by designing the appropriate planet position angles, meshing phasing, and load sharing performance. Finally, simulation and experimental signals are compared to verify the proposed model. The result shows that experimental signals keep good consistency with the simulated signals.

A Comparison of the Composition of Planets in Single-planet and Multiplanet Systems Orbiting M dwarfs

We investigate and compare the composition of M-dwarf planets in systems with only one known planet (“singles”) to those residing in multiplanet systems (“multis”) and the fundamental properties of their host stars. We restrict our analysis to planets with directly measured masses and radii, which comprise a total of 70 planets: 30 singles and 40 multis in 19 systems. We compare the bulk densities for the full sample, which includes planets ranging in size from 0.52 R ⊕ to 12.8 R ⊕, and find that single planets have significantly lower densities on average than multis, which we cannot attribute to selection biases. We compare the bulk densities normalized by an Earth model for planets with R p < 6 R ⊕ and find that multis are also denser with 99% confidence. We calculate and compare the core/water mass fractions (CMF/WMF) of low-mass planets (M p < 10 M ⊕) and find that the likely rocky multis (with R p < 1.6 R ⊕) have lower CMFs than singles. We also compare the [Fe/H] metallicity and rotation period of all single-planet versus multiplanet host stars with such measurements in the literature and find that multiplanet hosts are significantly more metal-poor than those hosting a single planet. Moreover, we find that the host star metallicity decreases with increasing planet multiplicity. In contrast, we find only a modest difference in the rotation period. The significant differences in planetary composition and metallicity of the host stars point to different physical processes governing the formation of single-planet and multiplanet systems in M dwarfs.

Formation of Gaps in Self-gravitating Debris Disks by Secular Resonance in a Single-planet System. II. Toward a Self-consistent Model

High-resolution observations of several debris disks reveal structures such as gaps and spirals, suggestive of gravitational perturbations induced by underlying planets. Most existing studies of planet–debris disk interactions ignore the gravity of the disk, treating it as a reservoir of massless planetesimals. In this paper, we continue our investigation into the long-term interaction between a single eccentric planet and an external, massive debris disk. Building upon our previous work, here we consider not only the axisymmetric component of the disk’s gravitational potential, but also the nonaxisymmetric torque that the disk exerts on the planet (ignoring for now only the nonaxisymmetric component of the disk self-gravity). To this goal, we develop and test a semianalytic “N-ring” framework that is based on a generalized (softened) version of the classical Laplace–Lagrange secular theory. Using this tool, we demonstrate that even when the disk is less massive than the planet, not only can a secular resonance be established within the disk that leads to the formation of a wide gap, but that the very same resonance also damps the planetary eccentricity e p via a process known as resonant friction. The resulting gap is initially nonaxisymmetric (akin to those observed in HD 92945 and HD 206893), but evolves to become more axisymmetric (similar to that in HD 107146) as e p (t) → 0 with time. We also develop analytic understanding of these findings, finding good quantitative agreement with the outcomes of the N-ring calculations. Our results may be used to infer both the dynamical masses of (gapped) debris disks and the dynamical history of the planets interior to them, as we exemplify for HD 206893.

Measuring tidal dissipation in giant planets from tidal circularization

ABSTRACT In this project, we determined the constraints on the modified tidal quality factor, $Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$, of gas-giant planets orbiting close to their host stars. We allowed $Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$ to depend on tidal frequency, accounting for the multiple tidal waves with time-dependent frequencies simultaneously present on the planet. We performed our analysis on 78 single-star and single-planet systems, with giant planets and host stars with radiative cores and convective outer shells. We extracted constraints on the frequency-dependent $Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$ for each system separately and combined them to find general constraints on $Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$ required to explain the observed eccentricity envelope while simultaneously allowing the observed eccentricities of all systems to survive to the present-day. Individual systems do not place tight constraints on $Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$. However, since similar planets must have similar tidal dissipation, we require that a consistent, possibly frequency-dependent, model must apply. Under that assumption, we find that the value of $\log _{10}Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$ for HJs is 5.0 ± 0.5 for the range of tidal period from 0.8 to 7 d. We did not see any clear sign of frequency dependence of $Q_{\rm pl}^{\prime }$.

The TESS-Keck Survey. XV. Precise Properties of 108 TESS Planets and Their Host Stars

We present the stellar and planetary properties for 85 TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs) hosting 108 planet candidates that compose the TESS-Keck Survey (TKS) sample. We combine photometry, high-resolution spectroscopy, and Gaia parallaxes to measure precise and accurate stellar properties. We then use these parameters as inputs to a light-curve processing pipeline to recover planetary signals and homogeneously fit their transit properties. Among these transit fits, we detect significant transit-timing variations among at least three multiplanet systems (TOI-1136, TOI-1246, TOI-1339) and at least one single-planet system (TOI-1279). We also reduce the uncertainties on planet-to-star radius ratios R p /R ⋆ across our sample, from a median fractional uncertainty of 8.8% among the original TOI Catalog values to 3.0% among our updated results. With this improvement, we are able to recover the Radius Gap among small TKS planets and find that the topology of the Radius Gap among our sample is broadly consistent with that measured among Kepler planets. The stellar and planetary properties presented here will facilitate follow-up investigations of both individual TOIs and broader trends in planet properties, system dynamics, and the evolution of planetary systems.

High-resolution resonant portraits of a single-planet white dwarf system

ABSTRACT The dynamical excitation of asteroids due to mean motion resonant interactions with planets is enhanced when their parent star leaves the main sequence. However, numerical investigation of resonant outcomes within post-main-sequence simulations is computationally expensive, limiting the extent to which detailed resonant analyses have been performed. Here, we combine the use of a high-performance computer cluster and the general semi-analytical libration width formulation of Gallardo, Beaugé &amp; Giuppone in order to quantify resonant stability, strength, and variation instigated by stellar evolution for a single-planet system containing asteroids on both crossing and non-crossing orbits. We find that resonant instability can be accurately bound with only main-sequence values by computing a maximum libration width as a function of asteroid longitude of pericentre. We also quantify the relative efficiency of mean motion resonances of different orders to stabilize versus destabilize asteroid orbits during both the giant branch and white dwarf phases. The 4:1, 3:1, and 2:1 resonances represent efficient polluters of white dwarfs, and even when in the orbit-crossing regime, both the 4:3 and 3:2 resonances can retain small reservoirs of asteroids in stable orbits throughout giant branch and white dwarf evolution. This investigation represents a preliminary step in characterizing how simplified extrasolar Kirkwood gap structures evolve beyond the main sequence.

KMT-2021-BLG-0240: Microlensing event with a deformed planetary signal

Aims. The light curve of the microlensing event KMT-2021-BLG-0240 exhibits a short-lasting anomaly with complex features near the peak at the 0.1 mag level from a single-lens single-source model. We conducted modeling of the lensing light curve under various interpretations to reveal the nature of the anomaly. Methods. It is found that the anomaly cannot be explained with the usual model based on a binary-lens (2L1S) or a binary-source (1L2S) interpretation. However, a 2L1S model with a planet companion can describe part of the anomaly, suggesting that the anomaly may be deformed by a tertiary lens component or a close companion to the source. From the additional modeling, we find that all the features of the anomaly can be explained with either a triple-lens (3L1S) model or a binary-lens binary-source (2L2S) model. However, it is difficult to validate the 2L2S model because the light curve does not exhibit signatures induced by the source orbital motion and the ellipsoidal variations expected by the close separation between the source stars according to the model. We, therefore, conclude that the two interpretations cannot be distinguished with the available data, and either can be correct. Results. According to the 3L1S solution, the lens is a planetary system with two sub-Jovian-mass planets in which the planets have masses of 0.32–0.47 MJ and 0.44–0.93 MJ, and they orbit an M dwarf host. According to the 2L2S solution, on the other hand, the lens is a single planet system with a mass of ~0.21 MJ orbiting a late K-dwarf host, and the source is a binary composed of a primary of a subgiant or a turnoff star and a secondary of a late G dwarf. The distance to the planetary system varies depending on the solution: ~7.0 kpc according to the 3L1S solution and ~6.6 kpc according to the 2L2S solution.

Dynamical Architecture of the HD 107148 Planetary System

Abstract We present an independent Doppler validation and dynamical orbital analysis of the two-planet system HD 107148, which was recently announced in Rosenthal et al. Our detailed analyses are based on literature HIRES data and newly obtained HARPS and CARMENES radial-velocity (RV) measurements as part of our survey in search for additional planets around single-planet systems. We perform a periodogram analysis of the available HIRES and HARPS precise RVs and stellar activity indicators. We do not find any apparent correlation between the RV measurements and the stellar activity indicators, thus linking the two strong periodicities to a moderately compact multiplanet system. We carry out orbital fitting analysis by testing various one- and two-planet orbital configurations and studying the posterior probability distribution of the fitted parameters. Our results solidify the existence of a Saturn-mass planet (HD 107148b, discovered first) with a period of P b ∼ 77.2 days and a second, eccentric (e c ∼ 0.4), Neptune-mass exoplanet (HD 107148c) with an orbital period of P c ∼ 18.3 days. Finally, we investigate the two-planet system’s long-term stability and overall orbital dynamics with the posterior distribution of our preferred orbital configuration. Our N-body stability simulations show that the system is long-term stable and exhibits large secular osculations in eccentricity but in no particular mean motion resonance configuration. The HD 107148 system, consisting of a solar-type main-sequence star with two giant planets in a rare configuration, features a common proper-motion white dwarf companion and is therefore a valuable target for understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

Demographics of Exoplanets in Binaries. I. Architecture of S-type Planetary Systems Revealed by the Radial-velocity Sample

Abstract Although the sample of exoplanets in binaries has been greatly expanded, the sample heterogeneity and observational bias are obstacles toward a clear figure of exoplanet demographics in the binary environment. To overcome the obstacles, we conduct a statistical study that focuses on S-type (circumstellar) planetary systems detected by the radial-velocity (RV) method. We try to account for observational biases by estimating, from available RV data, planet detection efficiencies for each individual system. Our main results are as follows. (1) Single (resp. multiple) planetary systems are mostly found in close (wide) binaries with separation a B &lt; (&gt;) ∼ 100–300 au. (2) In binaries, single and multiple-planet systems are similar in 1D distributions of mass and period as well as eccentricity (in contrast to the “eccentricity dichotomy” found in single star systems) but different in the 2D period-mass diagram. Specifically, there is a rectangular-shaped gap in the period-mass diagram of single-planet systems but not for multiples. This gap also depends on binary separation and is more prominent in close binaries. (3) There is a rising upper envelope in the period-mass diagram for planets in wide binaries as well as in single stars but not in close binaries. More specifically, there is a population of massive short-period planets in close binaries but almost absent in wide binaries or single stars. We suggest that enhanced planetary migration, collision and/or ejection in close binaries could be the potential underlying explanation for these three features.

Nii: a Bayesian orbit retrieval code applied to differential astrometry

ABSTRACTHere, we present an open source python-based Bayesian orbit retrieval code (Nii) that implements an automatic parallel tempering Markov chain Monte Carlo (APT-MCMC) strategy. Nii provides a module to simulate the observations of a space-based astrometry mission in the search for exoplanets, a signal extraction process for differential astrometric measurements using multiple reference stars, and an orbital parameter retrieval framework using APT-MCMC. We further verify the orbit retrieval ability of the code through two examples corresponding to a single-planet system and a dual-planet system. In both cases, efficient convergence on the posterior probability distribution can be achieved. Although this code specifically focuses on the orbital parameter retrieval problem of differential astrometry, Nii can also be widely used in other Bayesian analysis applications.

Dynamical orbital evolution scenarios of the wide-orbit eccentric planet HR 5183b

ABSTRACT The recently discovered giant exoplanet HR5183b exists on a wide, highly eccentric orbit (a = 18 au, e = 0.84). Its host star possesses a common proper-motion companion which is likely on a bound orbit. In this paper, we explore scenarios for the excitation of the eccentricity of the planet in binary systems such as this, considering planet–planet scattering, Lidov–Kozai cycles from the binary acting on a single-planet system, or Lidov–Kozai cycles acting on a two-planet system that also undergoes scattering. Planet–planet scattering, in the absence of a binary companion, has a $2.8{-}7.2{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ probability of pumping eccentricities to the observed values in our simulations, depending on the relative masses of the two planets. Lidov–Kozai cycles from the binary acting on an initially circular orbit can excite eccentricities to the observed value but require very specific orbital configurations for the binary and overall there is a low probability of catching the orbit at the high observed high eccentricity ($0.6{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$). The best case is provided by planet–planet scattering in the presence of a binary companion: here, the scattering provides the surviving planet with an initial eccentricity boost that is subsequently further increased by Kozai cycles from the binary. We find a success rate of $14.5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for currently observing e ≥ 0.84 in this set-up. The single-planet plus binary and two-planet plus binary cases are potentially distinguishable if the mutual inclination of the binary and the planet can be measured, as the latter permits a broader range of mutual inclinations. The combination of scattering and Lidov–Kozai forcing may also be at work in other wide-orbit eccentric giant planets, which have a high rate of stellar binary companions.

The impact of stellar clustering on the observed multiplicity of super-earth systems: outside–in cascade of orbital misalignments initiated by stellar flybys

ABSTRACT A recent study suggests that the observed multiplicity of super-Earth (SE) systems is correlated with stellar overdensities: field stars in high phase-space density environments have an excess of single-planet systems compared to stars in low-density fields. This correlation is puzzling as stellar clustering is expected to influence mostly the outer part of planetary systems. Here, we examine the possibility that stellar flybys indirectly excite the mutual inclinations of initially coplanar SEs, breaking their co-transiting geometry. We propose that flybys excite the inclinations of exterior substellar companions, which then propagate the perturbation to the inner SEs. Using analytical calculations of the secular coupling between SEs and companions, together with numerical simulations of stellar encounters, we estimate the expected number of ‘effective’ flybys per planetary system that lead to the destruction of the SE co-transiting geometry. Our analytical results can be rescaled easily for various SE and companion properties (masses and semimajor axes) and stellar cluster parameters (density, velocity dispersion, and lifetime). We show that for a given SE system, there exists an optimal companion architecture that leads to the maximum number of effective flybys; this results from the trade-off between the flyby cross-section and the companion’s impact on the inner system. Subject to uncertainties in the cluster parameters, we conclude that this mechanism is inefficient if the SE system has a single exterior companion, but may play an important role in ‘SE + two companions’ systems that were born in dense stellar clusters. Whether this effect causes the observed correlation between planet multiplicity and stellar overdensities remains to be confirmed.

A More Precise Mass for GJ 1214 b and the Frequency of Multiplanet Systems Around Mid-M Dwarfs

Abstract We present an intensive effort to refine the mass and orbit of the enveloped terrestrial planet GJ 1214 b using 165 radial velocity (RV) measurements taken with the HARPS spectrograph over a period of 10 years. We conduct a joint analysis of the RVs with archival Spitzer/IRAC transits and measure a planetary mass and radius of 8.17 ± 0.43 M ⊕ and 2.742 − 0.053 + 0.050 R ⊕. Assuming that GJ 1214 b is an Earth-like core surrounded by a H/He envelope, we measure an envelope mass fraction of X env = 5.24 − 0.29 + 0.30 %. GJ 1214 b remains a prime target for secondary eclipse observations of an enveloped terrestrial, the scheduling of which benefits from our constraint on the orbital eccentricity of &lt;0.063 at 95% confidence, which narrows the secondary eclipse window to 2.8 hr. By combining GJ 1214 with other mid-M-dwarf transiting systems with intensive RV follow up, we calculate the frequency of mid-M-dwarf planetary systems with multiple small planets and find that 90 − 21 + 5 % of mid-M dwarfs with a known planet with mass ∈ [1, 10] M ⊕ and orbital period ∈ [0.5, 50] days, will host at least one additional planet. We rule out additional planets around GJ 1214 down to 3 M ⊕ within 10 days, such that GJ 1214 is a single-planet system within these limits. This result has a 44 − 5 + 9 probability given the prevalence of multiplanet systems around mid-M dwarfs. We also investigate mid-M-dwarf RV systems and show that the probability that all reported RV planet candidates are real planets is &lt;12% at 99% confidence, although this statistical argument is unable to identify the probable false positives.

The Impact of Stellar Clustering on the Observed Multiplicity and Orbital Periods of Planetary Systems

Abstract It has recently been shown that stellar clustering plays an important role in shaping the properties of planetary systems. We investigate how the multiplicity distributions and orbital periods of planetary systems depend on the 6D phase space density of stars surrounding planet host systems. We find that stars in high stellar phase space density environments (overdensities) have a factor of 1.6–2.0 excess in the number of single-planet systems compared to stars in low stellar phase space density environments (the field). The multiplicity distribution of planets around field stars is much flatter (i.e., there is a greater fraction of multiplanet systems) than in overdensities. This result is primarily driven by the combined facts that (i) “hot Jupiters” (HJs) are almost exclusively found in overdensities and (ii) HJs are predominantly observed to be single-planet systems. Nevertheless, we find that the difference in multiplicity is even more pronounced when only considering planets in the Kepler sample, which contains few HJs. This suggests that the Kepler dichotomy—an apparent excess of systems with a single transiting planet—plausibly arises from environmental perturbations. In overdensities, the orbital periods of single-planet systems are smaller than orbital periods of multiple-planet systems. As this difference is more pronounced in overdensities, the mechanism responsible for this effect may be enhanced by stellar clustering. Taken together, the pronounced dependence of planetary multiplicity and orbital period distributions on stellar clustering provides a potentially powerful tool to diagnose the impact of environment on the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

The Kozai-Lidov Mechanism in Binary Star Systems and the Stabilizing Effect of Binary Stars

This study used Python simulations to compare the orbits of planets in single-planet binary systems and two-planet binary systems with equivalent single star systems to examine the differences of the Kozai-Lidov mechanism in three-body single star systems and four-body binary star systems. The Python program simulated the forces between the stars and the planets, and produced inclination graphs and orbital diagrams. In the single-planet scenario, no Kozai-Lidov effect is observed as the additional star did not affect the planet’s inclination, but the orbit is considerably rotated. In the two-planet scenario, the Kozai-Lidov oscillation period decreases from 650 years to 370 years, and the maximum inclination decreases from 0.690 radians to 0.280 radians, indicating that the binary star system acts against the Kozai-Lidov Mechanism. Additional trials with modified initial configurations of the two-planet binary star system confirm the universality of the suppressive effect in varying initial conditions in binary star systems.

Formation of Gaps in Self-gravitating Debris Disks by Secular Resonance in a Single-planet System. I. A Simplified Model

Abstract Spatially resolved images of debris disks frequently reveal complex morphologies such as gaps, spirals, and warps. Most existing models for explaining such morphologies focus on the role of massive perturbers (i.e., planets, stellar companions), ignoring the gravitational effects of the disk itself. Here we investigate the secular interaction between an eccentric planet and a massive, external debris disk using a simple analytical model. Our framework accounts for both the gravitational coupling between the disk and the planet, as well as the disk self-gravity—with the limitation that it ignores the non-axisymmetric component of the disk (self-)gravity. We find generally that even when the disk is less massive than the planet, the system may feature secular resonances within the disk (contrary to what may be naively expected), where planetesimal eccentricities get significantly excited. Given this outcome, we propose that double-ringed debris disks, such as those around HD 107146 and HD 92945, could be the result of secular resonances with a yet-undetected planet interior to the disk. We characterize the dependence of the properties of the secular resonances (i.e., locations, timescales, and widths) on the planet and disk parameters, finding that the mechanism is robust provided the disk is massive enough. As an example, we apply our results to HD 107146 and find that this mechanism readily produces ∼20 au wide non-axisymmetric gaps. Our results may be used to set constraints on the total mass of double-ringed debris disks. We demonstrate this for HD 206893, for which we infer a disk mass of ≈170M ⊕ by considering perturbations from the known brown dwarf companion.

Validation of HD 183579b Using Archival Radial Velocities: A Warm Neptune Orbiting a Bright Solar Analog

Abstract As exoplanetary science matures into its third decade, we are increasingly offered the possibility of pre-existing, archival observations for newly detected candidates. This is particularly poignant for the TESS mission, whose survey spans bright, nearby dwarf stars in both hemispheres—precisely the types of sources targeted by previous radial velocity (RV) surveys. On this basis, we investigated whether any of the TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs) coincided with such observations, from which we find 18 single-planet candidate systems. Of these, one exhibits an RV signature that has the correct period and phase matching the transiting planetary candidates with a false-alarm probability of less than 1%. After further checks, we exploit this fact to validate HD 183579b (TOI-1055b). This planet is &lt;4 R ⊕ and has better than 33% planetary mass measurements, thus advancing TESS’ primary objective of finding 50 such worlds. We find that this planet is among the most accessible small transiting planets for atmospheric characterization. Our work highlights that the efforts to confirm and even precisely measure the masses of new transiting planet candidates need not always depend on acquiring new observations—in some instances, these tasks can be completed with existing data.

More planetary candidates from K2 Campaign 5 using TRAN_K2

Context. The exquisite precision of space-based photometric surveys and the unavoidable presence of instrumental systematics and intrinsic stellar variability call for the development of sophisticated methods that distinguish these signal components from those caused by planetary transits. Aims. Here, we introduce the standalone Fortran code TRAN_K2 to search for planetary transits under the colored noise of stellar variability and instrumental effects. We use this code to perform a survey to uncover new candidates. Methods. Stellar variability is represented by a Fourier series and, when necessary, by an autoregressive model aimed at avoiding excessive Gibbs overshoots at the edges. For the treatment of systematics, a cotrending and an external parameter decorrelation were employed by using cotrending stars with low stellar variability as well as the chip position and the background flux level at the target. The filtering was done within the framework of the standard weighted least squares, where the weights are determined iteratively, to allow a robust fit and to separate the transit signal from stellar variability and systematics. Once the periods of the transit components are determined from the filtered data by the box-fitting least squares method, we reconstruct the full signal and determine the transit parameters with a higher accuracy. This step greatly reduces the excessive attenuation of the transit depths and minimizes shape deformation. Results. We tested the code on the field of Campaign 5 of the K2 mission. We detected 98% of the systems with all their candidate planets as previously reported by other authors. We then surveyed the whole field and discovered 15 new systems. An additional three planets were found in three multiplanetary systems, and two more planets were found in a previously known single-planet system.

Analytic Stability Maps of Unknown Exoplanet Companions for Imaging Prioritization

Abstract Identifying which systems are more likely to host an imageable planet can play an important role in the construction of an optimized target list for future direct imaging missions, such as the planned Coronagraph Instrument (CGI) technology demonstration for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. For single-planet systems, the presence of an already detected exoplanet can severely restrict the target’s stable region and should therefore be considered when searching for unknown companions. To do so, we first analyze the performance and robustness of several two-planet stability criteria by comparing them with long-term numerical simulations. We then derive the necessary formulation for the computation of (a, R) analytic stability maps, which can be used in conjunction with depth-of-search grids in order to define the stable-imageable region of a system. The dynamically stable completeness (i.e., the expected number of imageable and stable planets) can then be calculated via convolution with the selected occurrence grid, obtaining a metric that can be directly compared for imaging prioritization. Applying this procedure to all the currently known single-planet systems within a distance of 50 pc, we construct a ranked target list based on the CGI’s predicted performance and SAG13 occurrence rates. Finally, we evaluate the importance of considering the radial velocity data from past Doppler surveys in order to rule out entire regions of our parameter space where, if a planet existed, it would have certainly been detected by previous RV observations.