Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-12-08
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
8 pages, 2 figures, Part of PlanetsbeyondMS/2010 proceedings http://arxiv.org/html/1011.6606v1
Scientific paper
We have computed the fate of exoplanet companions around main sequence stars to explore the frequency of planet ingestion by their host stars during the red giant branch evolution. Using published properties of exoplanetary systems combined with stellar evolution models and Zahn's theory of tidal friction, we modeled the tidal decay of the planets' orbits as their host stars evolve. Most planets currently orbiting within 2 AU of their star are expected to be ingested by the end of their stars' red giant branch ascent. Our models confirm that many transiting planets are sufficiently close to their parent star that they will be accreted during the main sequence lifetime of the star. We also find that planet accretion may play an important role in explaining the mysterious red giant rapid rotators, although appropriate planetary systems do not seem to be plentiful enough to account for all such rapid rotators. We compare our modeled rapid rotators and surviving planetary systems to their real-life counterparts and discuss the implications of this work to the broader field of exoplanets.
Arras Phil
Bizyaev Dmitry
Carlberg Joleen K.
Cunha Katia
Majewski Steven R.
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