Self-Organizing Systems in Planetary Physics: Harmonic Resonances of Planet and Moon Orbits

Abstract

The geometric arrangement of planet and moon orbits into a regularly spaced pattern of distances is the result of a self-organizing system. The positive feedback mechanism that operates a self-organizing system is accomplished by harmonic orbit resonances, leading to long-term stable planet and moon orbits in solar or stellar systems. The distance pattern of planets was originally described by the empirical Titius-Bode law, and by a generalized version with a constant geometric progression factor (corresponding to logarithmic spacing). We find that the orbital periods $T_i$ and planet distances $R_i$ from the Sun are not consistent with logarithmic spacing, but rather follow the quantized scaling $(R_{i+1}/R_i)=(T_{i+1}/T_i{)}^{2/3}=(H_{i+1}/H_i{)}^{2/3}$, where the harmonic ratios are given by five dominant resonances, namely $(H_{i+1}:H_i)=(3:2),(5:3),(2:1),(5:2),(3:1)$. We find that the orbital period ratios tend to follow the quantized harmonic ratios in increasing order. We apply this harmonic orbit resonance model to the planets and moons in our solar system, and to the exo-planets of 55 Cnc and HD 10180 planetary systems. The model allows us a prediction of missing planets in each planetary system, based on the quasi-regular self-organizing pattern of harmonic orbit resonance zones. We predict 7 (and 4) missing exo-planets around the star 55 Cnc (and HD 10180). The accuracy of the predicted planet and moon distances amounts to a few percents. All analyzed systems are found to have $\approx 10$ resonant zones that can be occupied with planets (or moons) in long-term stable orbits.

34 pages, 13 Figures, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newast.2017.08.002

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• Using the Inclinations of Kepler Systems to Prioritize New Titius-Bode-Based Exoplanet Predictions
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• Exoplanet Predictions Based on Harmonic Orbit Resonances
• Exponential Distance Relation and Near Resonances in the Trappist-1 Planetary System
• On the Scaling and Spacing of Extra-Solar Multi-Planet Systems
• Revisiting the distributions of Jupiter's irregular moons: I. physical characteristics
• Orbital Period Ratios and Fibonacci Numbers in Solar Planetary and Satellite Systems and in Exoplanetary Systems
• Exponential distance relation (aka Titius-Bode rule) in extra solar planetary systems