Search for Outer Massive Bodies around Transiting Planetary Systems: Candidates of Faint Stellar Companions around HAT-P-7
Abstract
We present results of direct imaging observations for HAT-P-7 taken with the Subaru HiCIAO and the Calar Alto AstraLux. Since the close-in transiting planet HAT-P-7b was reported to have a highly tilted orbit, massive bodies such as giant planets, brown dwarfs, and a binary star are expected to exist in the outer region of this system. We show that there are indeed two candidates for distant faint stellar companions around HAT-P-7. We discuss how such companions can play a role on the orbital evolution of HAT-P-7b. We conclude that since there is a third body in the system, as reported by Winn et al. (2009, ApJ, 763, L99), Kozai migration is less likely, while planet-planet scattering is possible.
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan
- Pub Date:
- June 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1093/pasj/62.3.779
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1004.2458
- Bibcode:
- 2010PASJ...62..779N
- Keywords:
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- stars: binaries: general;
- stars: planetary systems: individual (HAT-P-7);
- techniques: high angular resolution;
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 8 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables, PASJ in press