Effects of Proxima Centauri on Planet Formation in Alpha Centauri

TL;DR

This study explores how the gravitational influence of Proxima Centauri affects the formation and potential habitability of terrestrial planets in the Alpha Centauri system through dynamic simulations.

Contribution

It presents a plausible formation scenario for the triple system and assesses the impact on planet formation around Alpha Centauri A, B, and Proxima Centauri.

Findings

Two or more terrestrial planets likely form around Alpha Centauri A and B.

Terrestrial planet formation around Proxima Centauri's habitable zone is plausible.

Past stellar dynamics could explain the absence of planets in some cases.

Abstract

Proxima Centauri is an M dwarf approximately 15,000 AU from the Alpha Centauri binary, comoving and likely in a loosely bound orbit. Dynamic simulations show this configuration can form from a more tightly bound triple system. As our nearest neighbors, these stars command great interest as potential planet hosts, and the dynamics of the stars govern the formation of any planets within the system. Here we present a scenario for the evolution of Alpha Centauri A and B and Proxima Centauri as a triple system. Based on N-body simulations, we determine this pathway to formation is plausible, and we quantify the implications for planet formation in the Alpha Centauri binary. We expect this formation scenario may have truncated the circumstellar disk slightly more than a system that formed in the current configuration, but that it most likely does not prevent terrestrial planet formation. We simulate planet formation in this system and find that in most scenarios, two or more terrestrial planets can be expected around either Alpha Centauri A or B, orbiting in a region out to approximately 2 AU, assuming planetesimals and planetary embryos are able to first form in the system. Additionally, terrestrial planet formation and stability in Proxima Centauri's habitable zone is also plausible. However, an absence of planets around these stars may be indicative of highly disruptive stellar dynamics in the past.