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  4. Spin and Orbital Dynamics of Close-In Giant Planet Systems and Stellar Binaries

Spin and Orbital Dynamics of Close-In Giant Planet Systems and Stellar Binaries

File(s)
Anderson_cornellgrad_0058F_11545.pdf (6.36 MB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://doi.org/10.7298/g6nt-9g73
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/67630
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Anderson, Kassandra
Abstract

Hot Jupiters (giant planets with orbital periods less than 10 days) and warm Jupiters (giant planets with orbital periods between 10-300 days) are major topics in exoplanetary dynamics, with unresolved puzzles regarding their dynamical histories and migration. Many observed systems show hints of a dynamically-active past, such as large stellar spin-orbit misalignments (obliquities) in hot Jupiter systems, and substantial eccentricities in warm Jupiter systems. Some stellar binaries present similar puzzles as close-in exoplanets, including a range of eccentricities and obliquities. This dissertation explores the spin and orbital evolution of close-in giant exoplanets and binaries due to the presence of an external companion. A third body may perturb the orbit of the planet or binary, leading to secular changes in eccentricity and inclination. Alongside the secular evolution of the orbit, an oblate star experiences a torque from the planet or binary companion, leading to precession of the spin axis and obliquity evolution. This dissertation explores such spin-orbit dynamics in a variety of contexts: (1) I conduct a population synthesis of hot Jupiter migration in stellar binaries due to Lidov-Kozai cycles, and present the resulting distributions of spin-orbit misalignment angles and formation efficiencies. (2) Considering both hot and warm Jupiter systems with external planetary companions, I identify the requirements for the outer planet to generate dramatic obliquity growth through a secular spin-orbit resonance, which may be encountered as the host star spins down due to magnetic braking. (3) I consider stellar binaries with a tertiary companion, and identify the system architectures in which the tertiary may affect the obliquities of the inner binary members. (4) I consider how an inclined circumbinary disk may excite obliquities in stellar binaries. In addition to spin-orbit dynamics, this dissertation also explores two different mechanisms for exciting eccentricities in warm Jupiter systems, due to secular perturbations from inclined companions, and in-situ scattering.

Date Issued
2019-08-30
Keywords
Astrophysics
•
Astronomy
Committee Chair
Lai, Dong
Committee Member
Lovelace, Richard V. E.
Herter, Terry Lee
Kaltenegger, Lisa
Degree Discipline
Astronomy and Space Sciences
Degree Name
Ph.D., Astronomy and Space Sciences
Degree Level
Doctor of Philosophy
Type
dissertation or thesis

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