On The Origins Of Eccentric Close-in Planets

Details On The Origins Of Eccentric Close-in Planets On The Origins Of Eccentric Close-in Planets

2008-08-27

arxiv.org/abs/0808.3724v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

4 pages, accepted for publication in ApJL

Scientific paper

10.1086/592818

Strong tidal interaction with the central star can circularize the orbits of close-in planets. With the standard tidal quality factor Q of our solar system, estimated circularization times for close-in extrasolar planets are typically shorter than the ages of the host stars. While most extrasolar planets with orbital radii a < 0.1 AU indeed have circular orbits, some close-in planets with substantial orbital eccentricities have recently been discovered. This new class of eccentric close-in planets implies that either their tidal Q factor is considerably higher, or circularization is prevented by an external perturbation. Here we constrain the tidal Q factor for transiting extrasolar planets by comparing their circularization times with accurately determined stellar ages. Using estimated secular perturbation timescales, we also provide constraints on the properties of hypothetical second planets exterior to the known ones.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On The Origins Of Eccentric Close-in Planets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On The Origins Of Eccentric Close-in Planets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On The Origins Of Eccentric Close-in Planets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-529804