The 𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒴 project

Context. Co-orbital objects, also known as trojans, are frequently found in simulations of planetary system formation. In these configurations, a planet shares its orbit with other massive bodies. It is still unclear why there have not been any co-orbitals discovered thus far in exoplanetary systems (exotrojans) or even pairs of planets found in such a 1:1 mean motion resonance. Reconciling observations and theory is an open subject in the field. Aims. The main objective of the 𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒴 project is to conduct an exhaustive search for exotrojans using diverse observational techniques. In this work, we analyze the radial velocity time series informed by transits, focusing the search around low-mass stars. Methods. We employed the α -test method on confirmed planets searching for shifts between spectral and photometric mid-transit times. This technique is sensitive to mass imbalances within the planetary orbit, allowing us to identify non-negligible co-orbital masses. Results. Among the 95 transiting planets examined, we find one robust exotrojan candidate with a significant 3-σ detection. Additionally, 25 exoplanets show compatibility with the presence of exotrojan companions at a 1- σ level, requiring further observations to better constrain their presence. For two of those weak candidates, we find dimmings in their light curves within the predicted Lagrangian region. We established upper limits on the co-orbital masses for either the candidates and null detections. Conclusions. Our analysis reveals that current high-resolution spectrographs effectively rule out co-orbitals more massive than Saturn around low-mass stars. This work points out to dozens of targets that have the potential to better constraint their exotrojan upper mass limit with dedicated radial velocity observations. We also explored the potential of observing the secondary eclipses of the confirmed exoplanets in our sample to enhance the exotrojan search, ultimately leading to a more accurate estimation of the occurrence rate of exotrojans.

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Publication Details

Journal
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Published
2024-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202450717
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.33

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The 𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒴 project

J. Lillo-Box, O. Balsalobre-Ruza, P. Figueira, A. C. M. Correia et al.
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article

The 𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒴 project

J. Lillo-Box, O. Balsalobre-Ruza, P. Figueira, A. C. M. Correia, A. Leleu, J. P. Faria, Philippe Robutel, D. Barrado, N. C. Santos, E. Herrero-Cisneros
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Context. Co-orbital objects, also known as trojans, are frequently found in simulations of planetary system formation. In these configurations, a planet shares its orbit with other massive bodies. It is still unclear why there have not been any co-orbitals discovered thus far in exoplanetary systems (exotrojans) or even pairs of planets found in such a 1:1 mean motion resonance. Reconciling observations and theory is an open subject in the field. Aims. The main objective of the 𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒴 project is to conduct an exhaustive search for exotrojans using diverse observational techniques. In this work, we analyze the radial velocity time series informed by transits, focusing the search around low-mass stars. Methods. We employed the α -test method on confirmed planets searching for shifts between spectral and photometric mid-transit times. This technique is sensitive to mass imbalances within the planetary orbit, allowing us to identify non-negligible co-orbital masses. Results. Among the 95 transiting planets examined, we find one robust exotrojan candidate with a significant 3-σ detection. Additionally, 25 exoplanets show compatibility with the presence of exotrojan companions at a 1- σ level, requiring further observations to better constrain their presence. For two of those weak candidates, we find dimmings in their light curves within the predicted Lagrangian region. We established upper limits on the co-orbital masses for either the candidates and null detections. Conclusions. Our analysis reveals that current high-resolution spectrographs effectively rule out co-orbitals more massive than Saturn around low-mass stars. This work points out to dozens of targets that have the potential to better constraint their exotrojan upper mass limit with dedicated radial velocity observations. We also explored the potential of observing the secondary eclipses of the confirmed exoplanets in our sample to enhance the exotrojan search, ultimately leading to a more accurate estimation of the occurrence rate of exotrojans.

Astronomy and AstrophysicsVol. 689
University of Geneva (CH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), Universidade do Porto (PT), Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (FR), Observatoire de Paris (FR), Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences (PT), Centro de Astrobiología (ES), Institut de Mécanique Céleste et de Calcul des Éphémérides (FR), University of Coimbra (PT)
National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, California Institute of Technology, European Commission, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, European Regional Development Fund, Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
0.33
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