Long-Term Stability of Planets in the α Centauri System
Authors:
Quarles et al
Abstract:
We evaluate the extent of the regions within the α Centauri AB star system where small planets are able to orbit for billion-year timescales, and we calculate the positions on the sky plane where planets on stable orbits about either stellar component may appear. We confirm the qualitative results of Wiegert and Holman (AJ 113, 1445, 1997) regarding the approximate size of the regions of stable orbits, which are larger for retrograde orbits relative to the binary than for prograde orbits. Additionally, we find that mean motion resonances with the binary orbit leave an imprint on the limits of orbital stability, and the effects of the Lidov-Kozai mechanism are also readily apparent.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Long-Term Stability of Planets in the α Centauri System
Labels:
alpha centauri,
orbital mechanics
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