Locating the planetesimals belts in the multiple-planet systems HD 128311, HD 202206, HD 82943 and HR 8799

TL;DR

This paper constrains the locations of dust-producing planetesimals in four multi-planet systems using spectral and dynamical models, enhancing understanding of planetary system diversity.

Contribution

It introduces a combined radiative transfer and dynamical modeling approach to locate planetesimals in multiple-planet systems, including new spectral data.

Findings

Constraints on planetesimal locations in four systems

Analysis of spectral energy distributions with new Spitzer data

Assessment of long-term orbital stability of planetesimals

Abstract

In addition to the Sun, six other stars are known to harbor multiple planets and debris disks: HD 69830, HD 38529, HD 128311, HD 202206, HD 82943 and HR 8799. In this paper we set constraints on the location of the dust-producing planetesimals around the latter four systems. We use a radiative transfer model to analyze the spectral energy distributions of the dust disks (including two new Spitzer IRS spectra presented in this paper), and a dynamical model to assess the long-term stability of the planetesimals' orbits. As members of a small group of stars that show evidence of harboring a multiple planets and planetesimals, their study can help us learn about the diversity of planetary systems.