NASA TESS Finds Exoplanets in Binary Star Systems Using Eclipse Timing

Exoplanets can be detected using the timing variations of eclipsing binary stars through a method called Eclipse Timing Variations (ETV).

Eclipsing binary stars are systems in which two stars orbit around their common center of mass in such a way that, from our viewpoint, they periodically eclipse each other. This causes a regular and predictable pattern in their light curve (a graph of brightness versus time).

When there is a third object (such as an exoplanet) in the system, its gravitational influence can cause small changes in the orbits of the stars. These changes can lead to variations in the timing of the eclipses.

By carefully analysing the eclipse timing variations, astronomers can infer the presence of exoplanets in binary star systems, even when the exoplanets themselves are not directly observable.

NASA’s TESS mission has now discovered planets in binary star systems by observing the slight dimming of starlight as planets pass in front of one of the stars. Researchers have also developed a new detection method that uses the precise timing of eclipses between the two stars to identify additional planets in these systems.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Chris Smith (USRA)

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