Is the orbital distribution of multiplanet systems influenced by pure three-planet resonances?

Abstract

We analyze the distribution of known multi-planet systems ($N\ge 3$) in the plane of mean-motion ratios, and compare it with the resonance web generated by two-planet mean-motion resonances (2P-MMR) and pure 3-planet commensurabilities (pure 3P-MMR). We find intriguing evidence of a statistically significant correlation between the observed distribution of compact low-mass systems and the resonance structure, indicating a possible causal relation. While resonance chains such as Kepler-60, Kepler-80 and TRAPPIST-1 are strong contributors, most of the correlation appears to be caused by systems not identified as resonance chains. Finally, we discuss their possible origin through planetary migration during the last stages of the primordial disc and/or an eccentricity damping process.

11 pages, 8 figures; corrected typo in text of Figure 3

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• Unveiling the internal structure and formation history of the three planets transiting HIP 29442 (TOI-469) with CHEOPS
• Tidal interactions shape period ratios in planetary systems with three-body resonant chains
• Orbital stability of compact three-planet systems III. The role of three-body resonances