Exploring Exponential Fits to Multiplanetary Exoplanet Systems

Student: Christopher Bell

Faculty Mentor: Lynn Cominsky

Physics & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, and Business

In many orbital systems, such as planets orbiting stars or moons orbiting planets, the relationship between orbital rank and distance often follows an exponential trend, which can be fitted by a formula with the form y = ae^bx. Through regression analyses with a set of known systems, this project aims to test for statistically significant correlations between their physical properties and the resulting a and b parameters of the fitted formula. If present, these outcomes will be interpreted to evaluate their implications regarding the properties and structuring of star systems. Furthermore, the project will assess whether anomalies or discontinuities in exponential spacing can serve as indicators of missing or undetected exoplanets.