How to design a planetary system for different scattering outcomes: giant impact sweet spot, maximising exocomets, scattered disks

Abstract

This paper considers the dynamics of scattering of planetesimals or planetary embryos by a planet on a circumstellar orbit. We classify six regions in the planet's mass versus semimajor axis parameter space according to the dominant outcome for scattered objects: ejected, accreted, remaining, escaping, Oort Cloud, depleted Oort Cloud. We use these outcomes to consider which planetary system architectures maximise the observability of specific signatures, given that signatures should be detected first around systems with optimal architectures (if such systems exist in nature). Giant impact debris is most readily detectable for 0.1-10Mearth planets at 1-5au, depending on detection method and spectral type. While A stars have putative giant impact debris at 4-6au consistent with this sweet spot, that of FGK stars is typically <<1au contrary to expectations; an absence of 1-3au giant impact debris could indicate a low frequency of terrestrial planets there. Three principles maximise cometary influx from exo-Kuiper belts: a chain of closely separated planets interior to the belt, none of which is a Jupiter-like ejector; planet masses not increasing strongly with distance (for a net inward torque on comets); ongoing replenishment of comets, possibly by embedded low-mass planets. A high Oort Cloud comet influx requires no ejector and architectures that maximise the Oort Cloud population. Cold debris disks are usually considered classical Kuiper belt analogues. Here we consider the possibility of detecting scattered disk analogues, which could be betrayed by a broad radial profile and lack of small grains, as well as spherical 100-1000au mini-Oort Clouds. Some implications for escaping planets around young stars, detached planets akin to Sedna, and the formation of super-Earths, are also discussed.

25 pages, MNRAS in press

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