http://arxiv.org/abs/1909.10061
We analyze the potential transit light curve effects due to a Clarke belt of satellitesaround an exoplanet. Building on code and analysis from Korpela, Sallmen, & LeystraGreene (2015), we refine the transit analysis of Socas-Navarro (2018) by incorporatinglimb-darkening and taking an observer-centered approach to examining residuals. Wealso consider practical dynamical issues for exobelts, finding that synchronously orbitingbelts are dynamically impossible around planets in the habitable zones of M stars, anddetermining the maximum quasi-stable belt size in these situations. Using simulationsfor both G and M stars, we conclude that to have an even marginally detectable impacton transit light curves, exobelts must be substantially denser than previous estimates.We also estimate collision rates for the required satellite densities, finding they wouldpresent significant monitoring and guidance challenges. We conclude that detectableexobelts are likely to be rare, and have extremely low prospects for detection by transitmonitoring from both current and upcoming missions
S. Sallmen, E. Korpela and K. Crawford-Taylor
Tue, 24 Sep 19
34/70
Comments: Submitted to The Astrophysical Journal. 16 pages including 5 figures