Challenging the prevailing assumptions in exoplanet research

Ames Center for Exoplanet Studies Seminar
N245 Conference Room 215
Tuesday, October 23, 2018 – 3:00 PM
Speaker: Jason Steffen (UNLV)
Abstract: I will present the results from three studies that investigate the effects that are missed due to prevailing assumptions.  The first is the assumption of co-planar systems when investigating dynamical instability in a planetary system.  The second is the assumption of equally spaced planets and the proper definition of planet spacing and system compactness.  The third is the assumption regarding the architecture of planetary systems when analyzing Doppler data.  Each of these assumptions can produce an incorrect interpretation of the histories and properties of planetary systems.  These results show that “compact” planetary systems are not as compact as believed and provide a better criterion for classifying these systems.  They also show compelling evidence that a sizable fraction of systems with a single, eccentric planet are in fact multiple planets near mean-motion resonance—implying a significant mischaracterization of these systems and their histories.
Point of contact:  Lissauer, Jack J.  – jack.lissauer@nasa.gov