On the Degree of Dynamical Packing in the Kepler Multi-planet Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how chaotic dynamics and giant impacts influence the packing of multi-planet systems, revealing that most Kepler systems are more densely packed than previously thought, which impacts planet formation theories.

Contribution

It introduces a realistic approach to assessing dynamical packing, showing that many Kepler multi-planet systems are strongly packed, challenging earlier optimistic stability assumptions.

Findings

60-95% of Kepler systems are strongly packed

Dynamical packing increases with system multiplicity

Implications for undetected planets and planet formation models

Abstract

Current planet formation theories rely on initially compact orbital configurations undergoing a (possibly extended) phase of giant impacts following the dispersal of the dissipative protoplanetary disk. The orbital architectures of observed mature exoplanet systems have likely been strongly sculpted by chaotic dynamics, instabilities, and giant impacts. One possible signature of systems continually reshaped by instabilities and mergers is their dynamical packing. Early Kepler data showed that many multi-planet systems are maximally packed - placing an additional planet between an observed pair would make the system unstable. However, this result relied on placing the inserted planet in the most optimistic configuration for stability (e.g., circular orbits). While this would be appropriate in an ordered and dissipative picture of planet formation (i.e. planets dampen into their most stable configurations), we argue that this best-case scenario for stability is rarely realized due to the strongly chaotic nature of planet formation. Consequently, the degree of dynamical packing in multi-planet systems under a realistic formation model is likely significantly higher than previously realized. We examine the full Kepler multi planet sample through this new lens, showing that ~60-95% of Kepler multi-planet systems are strongly packed and that dynamical packing increases with multiplicity. This may be a signature of dynamical sculpting or of undetected planets, showing that dynamical packing is an important metric that can be incorporated into planet formation modelling or when searching for unseen planets.