The period-ratio and mass-ratio correlation in extra-solar multiple planetary systems

Abstract

Employing the data from orbital periods and masses of extra-solar planets in 166 multiple planetary systems, the period ratio and mass ratio of adjacent planet pairs are studied. The correlation between the period ratio and mass ratio is confirmed, with a correlation coefficient of 0.5303 with a 99 per cent confidence interval (0.3807, 0.6528). A comparison with the distribution of synthetic samples from a Monte Carlo simulation reveals the imprint of planet- planet interactions on the formation of adjacent planet pairs in multiple planetary systems.