Matías Cerioni
Tides that Stretch Resonant Chains
Resonant chains, consisting of consecutive two- and three-body mean-motion resonances between adjacent planets, are a frequent result in the formation of low-mass planetary systems (individual masses below ~20 Earth masses).
If the system is compact, tidal effects will cause the planets to fall inwards and increase their relative separations, opening up the chain. The magnitude of this ‘tidal separation’ will mainly depend on the age of the system, as well as planetary radii, and the capacity of the planets to dissipate internal energy. As of today, multiple planetary systems show signs of having suffered this type of departure from resonance as a result of tides (i.e Kepler-80, K2-138).
In this presentation, we show how observed tidal separations can be used to constrain system parameters, by focusing on the YZ Cet system. Finally, we discuss possible limitations of the method, and how the results are affected by the longitude of the resonant chain.