The Fate of Planets

TL;DR

This paper examines how various stellar evolution processes influence the survival and fate of planets orbiting stars as they transition through late evolutionary stages like the Red Giant and Asymptotic Giant Branch.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of the competing effects of mass-loss, drag, tidal forces, and evaporation on planetary survival during stellar evolution.

Findings

Stellar mass-loss significantly impacts planetary orbits.

Tidal forces can lead to planet engulfment.

Planet evaporation occurs during intense radiation phases.

Abstract

As a star evolves off the Main Sequence, it endures major structural changes that are capable of determining the fate of the planets orbiting it. Throughout its evolution along the Red Giant Branch, the star increases its radius by two orders of magnitude. Later, during the Asymptotic Giant Branch, it loses most of its initial mass. Finally, during the Planetary Nebulae phase, it emits intense radiation before ultimately beginning its fade as a white dwarf. We show how the several competing processes (stellar mass-loss, gravitational and frictional drag, tidal forces, planet accretion and evaporation) affect the survival of planets around evolved stars.