Planet signatures in the chemical composition of Sun-like stars

TL;DR

This paper explores how planet formation and engulfment can leave detectable chemical signatures in Sun-like stars, considering galactic evolution and binary systems as tools for verification.

Contribution

It analyzes two mechanisms of planetary signatures in stellar chemistry and emphasizes the use of stellar twins to verify abundance anomalies.

Findings

Dust condensation can deplete refractory elements in star atmospheres.

Planet engulfment can enrich stars with lithium and refractory elements.

Galactic chemical evolution influences observed abundance patterns.

Abstract

There are two possible mechanisms to imprint planet signatures in the chemical composition of Sun-like stars: i) dust condensation at the early stages of planet formation, causing a depletion of refractory elements in the gas accreted by the star in the late stages of its formation; ii) planet engulfment, enriching the host star in lithium and refractory elements. We discuss both planet signatures, the influence of galactic chemical evolution, and the importance of binaries composed of stellar twins as laboratories to verify abundance anomalies imprinted by planets.