Other
Scientific paper
May 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010dda....41.0407r&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DDA meeting #41, #4.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.929
Other
Scientific paper
Detailed characterization of multi-planet systems is critical for understanding their formation and evolution. Transiting exoplanets offer the unique opportunity of complementing orbital determination with physical characteristics, such as radii and densities. However, the study of transiting exoplanets thus far has focused almost exclusively on systems with only one planet, except for considering the influence of an additional unseen planet on the timing of the transits of the known planet. A significant fraction of exoplanet observations are dedicated to discovering these transit timing variations (TTVs) in an effort to detect or constrain the presence of an additional unseen planet.
For the first time, we will discuss in detail the value of systems where multiple planets are seen to transit the same star. In anticipation of their eventual discovery, we show that high-precision lightcurves, such as those now being returned from the Kepler satellite, have the potential to determine the orbital and physical parameters of these multi-transiting systems to high precision. For example, when the planets have detectable dynamical interactions (TTVs), the mass ratios can be accurately measured and, in combination with radial velocity observations, yield model-independent dynamical masses for the star and one or both planets. The true mutual inclination between the planetary orbits can also be precisely determined, which is generally not possible with any other current technique, and the inclination distribution inferred from such systems can distinguish between different formation scenarios. Furthermore, such systems may undergo (predictable) mutual events, where one planet crosses over the other, which will uniquely enhance our knowledge about these planets. In all, we propose that multi-transiting systems will be the most information-rich multi-planet systems besides our own solar system.
Holman Matthew J.
Ragozzine Darin
No associations
LandOfFree
On the value of systems with multiple transiting 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 value of systems with multiple transiting planets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the value of systems with multiple transiting planets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-915828