Formation of S-type planets in close binaries: scattering induced tidal capture of circumbinary planets

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to demonstrate that S-type planets in close binary systems can form through a scattering and tidal capture mechanism, with a capture probability up to 10%, and predicts retrograde orbit planets as a signature of this process.

Contribution

The paper introduces a robust scattering-induced tidal capture mechanism for forming S-type planets in close binaries, supported by extensive numerical simulations.

Findings

Capture probability up to 10% in various binary configurations.

Smaller binary eccentricity or low mass ratio increases capture likelihood.

Retrograde orbit S-type planets can form naturally via capture.

Abstract

Although several S-type and P-type planets in binary systems were discovered in past years, S-type planets have not yet been found in close binaries with an orbital separation not more than 5 au. Recent studies suggest that S-type planets in close binaries may be detected through high-accuracy observations. However, nowadays planet formation theories imply that it is difficult for S-type planets in close binaries systems to form in situ. In this work, we extensively perform numerical simulations to explore scenarios of planet-planet scattering among circumbinary planets and subsequent tidal capture in various binary configurations, to examine whether the mechanism can play a part in producing such kind of planets. Our results show that this mechanism is robust. The maximum capture probability is $\sim 10\%$, which can be comparable to the tidal capture probability of hot Jupiters in single star systems. The capture probability is related to binary configurations, where a smaller eccentricity or a low mass ratio of the binary will lead to a larger probability of capture, and vice versa. Furthermore, we find that S-type planets with retrograde orbits can be naturally produced via capture process. These planets on retrograde orbits can help us distinguish in situ formation and post-capture origin for S-type planet in close binaries systems. The forthcoming missions (PLATO) will provide the opportunity and feasibility to detect such planets. Our work provides several suggestions for selecting target binaries in search for S-type planets in the near future.