Several problems of exoplanetary orbits determination from radial velocity observations

Abstract

Existing algorithms of analysis of radial velocity time series are improved for the purposes of extrasolar planets detection and characterizing. Three important effects are considered: the poorly known radial velocity jitter, periodic systematic errors, and statistical bias due to non-linearity of models. Mathematical tools to account for these effects are developed and applied to a number of real planetary systems. In particular, it is shown that two outer planets of HD37124 are likely trapped in the 2/1 resonance. The dwarf star GJ876 may host an extra, Neptune-mass, planet which is in resonance with two giant planets in this system. © 2008 International Astronomical Union.