On the orbital structure of the HD 82943 multi-planet system

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the multi-planet system HD 82943 in 2:1 resonance using radial velocity data, proposing optimal observation scheduling to improve orbital models.

Contribution

It combines new and existing radial velocity data and develops optimal scheduling strategies for future observations of HD 82943.

Findings

Optimal observation times can significantly improve orbital fits.

Future data collection during suggested time windows will enhance understanding of the system.

The system's resonance behavior remains a key focus of analysis.

Abstract

HD 82943 hosts a mysterious multi-planet system in the 2:1 mean-motion resonance that puzzles astronomers for more than a decade. We describe our new analysis of all radial velocity data currently available for this star, including both the most recent Keck data and the older but more numerous CORALIE measurements. Here we pay a major attention to the task of optimal scheduling of the future observation of this system. Applying several optimality criteria, we demonstrate that in the forthcoming observational season of HD 82943 (the winter 2014/2015) rather promising time ranges can be found. Observations of the near future may give rather remarkable improvement of the orbital fit, but only if we choose their time carefully.