The Occurrence of Compact Multiple Exoplanetary Systems Orbiting Mid-M Dwarf Stars
Abstract
We present recent results from an investigation into the occurrence of compact multiple exoplanetary systems orbiting mid-M dwarf stars. We used data and transiting-planet detections from the primary Kepler Mission, combining the Kepler-42 system with two newly confirmed systems as a detected sample. We isolated all mid-M dwarf stars observed for at least one full quarter by the Kepler primary mission that do not have detected transiting planets, and simulated compact multiple systems orbiting those stars. To recover the three confirmed systems, we calculated that between one-fifth and one-quarter of mid-M dwarf stars must host compact multiple exoplanetary systems, regardless of the host star's metallicity. The results suggest that rocky planet formation is efficient in mid-M dwarf protoplanetary disks and that NASA's current K2-mission and future TESS Mission may discover many similar systems in the coming years.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #225
- Pub Date:
- January 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015AAS...22542002M