Searching for Exoplanets Around X-Ray Binaries with Accreting White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes

Abstract

We recommend that the search for exoplanets around binary stars be extended to include X-ray binaries in which the accretor is a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole. We present a novel idea for detecting planets bound to such mass transfer binaries: we propose that the X-ray light curves of these binaries be inspected for signatures of transiting planets. X-ray transits may be the only way to detect planets around some systems, while providing a complementary approach to optical and/or radio observations in others. Any planets associated with X-ray binaries must be in stable orbits. We consider the range of allowable separations and find that orbital periods can be hours or longer, while transit durations extend upward from about a minute for Earth-radius planets in very close orbits, to hours for Jupiter-radius planets in wider orbits. The search for planets around mass transfer binaries could begin at once with existing X-ray observations of these systems. If and when a planet is detected around an X-ray binary, the size and mass of the planet may be readily measured, and it may also be possible to study the transmission and absorption of X-rays through its atmosphere. Finally, a noteworthy application of our proposal is that the same technique could be used to search for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence. If an advanced exocivilization placed a Dyson sphere or similar structure in orbit around the accretor of an X-ray binary in order to capture energy, such an artificial structure might cause detectable transits in the X-ray light curve.

Accepted to ApJ

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• Strategies and Advice for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
• Exoplanets and SETI
• Lens Flare: Magnified X-Ray Binaries as Passive Beacons in SETI
• Artificial Broadcasts as Galactic Populations: I. A Point Process Formalism for Extraterrestrial Intelligences and Their Broadcasts
• The First High-Contrast Images of X-Ray Binaries: Detection of Candidate Companions in the $\gamma$ Cas Analog RX J1744.7$-$2713
• Future Exoplanet Research: Science Questions and How to Address Them
• The Dyson Minds 2025 Workshop: SETI around Black Holes
• Time Domain Astronomy with the THESEUS Satellite