arXiv · 2606.26817
Investigating the System Configuration of Kepler-451 through Orbital Period Variations: Dynamical and Magnetic Interpretations
Abstract
We present an analysis of eclipse timing variations in Kepler-451 using data spanning 2004-2024 from both ground- and space-based observations. Using two datasets, DS-A and DS-B, we constructed updated O-C diagrams. By modeling both datasets with various LTT configurations, we tested for the presence of circumbinary companions. For DS-A, the two-companion model (LTT34) provides the best fit with RMS = 3.23 s and chi^2_nu = 1.23, while inclusion a fifth body (LTT345) does not improve the fit (RMS = 3.24 s, chi^2_nu = 1.28). For DS-B, the three-companion model (LTT345) yields the best fit (RMS = 2.31 s, chi^2_nu = 1.01), although the semi-amplitude of the inner companion (1.34 s) is smaller than the systematic error (1.81 s), suggesting that it may originate from observational or calibration systematics. Applegate-mechanism tests indicate that most signals exceed the available energy budget, while the outer LTT terms in both datasets remain consistent with the Standard model and may have a magnetic origin. Removing these magnetic terms yields dynamically stable configurations for at least 10^7 yr. These findings support the presence of a second-generation circumbinary planet at 3.4 AU around Kepler-451, while the origin of the remaining LTT signals remains uncertain.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Huseyin Er, Aykut Ozdonmez, M. Emir Kenger, B. Batuhan Gurbulak, Ilham Nasiroglu, Murat Tekkesinoglu, Ergun Ege, Nazli Karaman. 2026-06-25. Investigating the System Configuration of Kepler-451 through Orbital Period Variations: Dynamical and Magnetic Interpretations. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357%2Fae1029
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.