Kepler constraints on planets near hot Jupiters

TL;DR

This study uses Kepler data to search for planetary companions near hot Jupiters, finding no significant nearby companions or TTV signals, which suggests a different formation or dynamical history compared to other systems.

Contribution

First comprehensive search for close planetary companions to hot Jupiters using transit and TTV data, highlighting their unique dynamical characteristics.

Findings

No significant companions detected near hot Jupiters.

Hot Jupiters show fewer nearby companions than warm Jupiters.

Indicates different formation or dynamical evolution for hot Jupiters.

Abstract

We present the results of a search for planetary companions orbiting near hot Jupiter planet candidates (Jupiter-size candidates with orbital periods near 3 days) identified in the Kepler data through its sixth quarter of science operations. Special emphasis is given to companions between the 2:1 interior and exterior mean-motion resonances. A photometric transit search excludes companions with sizes ranging from roughly 2/3 to 5 times the size of the Earth, depending upon the noise properties of the target star. A search for dynamically induced deviations from a constant period (transit timing variations or TTVs) also shows no significant signals. In contrast, comparison studies of warm Jupiters (with slightly larger orbits) and hot Neptune-size candidates do exhibit signatures of additional companions with these same tests. These differences between hot Jupiters and other planetary systems denote a distinctly different formation or dynamical history.