Lidov-Kozai stability regions in the alpha Centauri system

TL;DR

This study numerically explores the stability of inclined and eccentric planetary orbits in the alpha Centauri AB system, revealing large stable regions associated with Lidov-Kozai resonance that can endure over the system's lifetime.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the stability of inclined and eccentric orbits in binary systems, emphasizing the role of Lidov-Kozai resonance in long-term planetary stability.

Findings

Large stable regions exist for eccentric, inclined orbits due to Lidov-Kozai resonance

Stable orbits can survive over the age of the system despite tidal effects

Results are applicable to any compact binary system

Abstract

The stability of planets in the alpha-Centauri AB stellar system has been studied extensively. However, most studies either focus on the orbital plane of the binary or consider inclined circular orbits. Here, we numerically investigate the stability of a possible planet in the alpha-Centauri AB binary system for S-type orbits in an arbitrary spatial configuration. In particular, we focus on inclined orbits and explore the stability for different eccentricities and orientation angles. We show that large stable and regular regions are present for very eccentric and inclined orbits, corresponding to libration in the Lidov-Kozai resonance. We additionally show that these extreme orbits can survive over the age of the system, despite the effect of tides. Our results remain qualitatively the same for any compact binary system.