Parametrized Post-Newtonian Orbital Effects in Extrasolar Planets

TL;DR

This paper calculates Post-Newtonian orbital effects on extrasolar planets within different gravitational theories, revealing periodic and secular variations in orbital elements, which could inform tests of gravity theories.

Contribution

It provides a detailed perturbative analysis of Post-Newtonian effects on extrasolar planet orbits in the Parameterized Post-Newtonian framework, including applications to Einstein and Brans-Dicke theories.

Findings

Semi-major axis and eccentricity show periodic variations.

Longitude of periastron and mean longitude have secular and periodic shifts.

Effects are quantified for six extrasolar planets.

Abstract

Perturbative Post-Newtonian variations of the standard osculating orbital elements are obtained by using the two-body equations of motion in the Parameterized Post-Newtonian theoretical framework. The results obtained are applied to the Einstein and. Brans - Dicke theories. As a results, the semi-major axis and eccentricity exhibit periodic variation, but no secular changes.. The longitude of periastron and mean longitude at epoch experience both secular and periodic shifts. The Post-Newtonian effects are calculated and discussed for six extrasolar planets.