On the Stellar Companion to the Exoplanet Hosting Star 30 Arietis B

TL;DR

This paper confirms that the star 30 Arietis B hosts both a planet and a stellar companion, using direct imaging and radial velocity data, and discusses the system's orbital stability and properties.

Contribution

It provides new observational evidence of a stellar companion to 30 Arietis B and refines the orbital parameters of its known planet.

Findings

Direct detection of the stellar companion via Keck AO imaging.

Radial velocity data support the stellar companion hypothesis.

Revised orbital parameters for the known planet.

Abstract

A crucial aspect of understanding planet formation is determining the binarity of the host stars. Results from radial velocity surveys and the follow-up of Kepler exoplanet candidates have demonstrated that stellar binarity certainly does not exclude the presence of planets in stable orbits and the configuration may in fact be relatively common. Here we present new results for the 30 Arietis system which confirms that the B component hosts both planetary and stellar companions. Keck AO imaging provides direct detection of the stellar companion and additional radial velocity data are consistent with an orbiting star. We present a revised orbit of the known planet along with photometry during predicted transit times. Finally, we provide constraints on the properties of the stellar companion based on orbital stability considerations.