Kepler constraints on planets near hot Jupiters

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 May 22;109(21):7982-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1120970109. Epub 2012 May 7.

Abstract

We present the results of a search for planetary companions orbiting near hot Jupiter planet candidates (Jupiter-size candidates with orbital periods near 3 d) identified in the Kepler data through its sixth quarter of science operations. Special emphasis is given to companions between the 21 interior and exterior mean-motion resonances. A photometric transit search excludes companions with sizes ranging from roughly two-thirds to five times the size of the Earth, depending upon the noise properties of the target star. A search for dynamically induced deviations from a constant period (transit timing variations) also shows no significant signals. In contrast, comparison studies of warm Jupiters (with slightly larger orbits) and hot Neptune-size candidates do exhibit signatures of additional companions with these same tests. These differences between hot Jupiters and other planetary systems denote a distinctly different formation or dynamical history.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Astronomy / methods*
  • Earth, Planet
  • Extraterrestrial Environment*
  • Hot Temperature
  • Jupiter*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Neptune
  • Planets*