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Statistics of Low-Mass Companions to Stars: Implications for Their OriginOne of the more significant results from observational astronomy over the past few years has been the detection, primarily via radial velocity studies, of low-mass companions (LMCs) to solar-like stars. The commonly held interpretation of these is that the majority are "extrasolar planets" whereas the rest are brown dwarfs, the distinction made on the basis of apparent discontinuity in the distribution of M sin i for LMCs as revealed by a histogram. We report here results from statistical analysis of M sin i, as well as of the orbital elements data for available LMCs, to rest the assertion that the LMCs population is heterogeneous. The outcome is mixed. Solely on the basis of the distribution of M sin i a heterogeneous model is preferable. Overall, we find that a definitive statement asserting that LMCs population is heterogeneous is, at present, unjustified. In addition we compare statistics of LMCs with a comparable sample of stellar binaries. We find a remarkable statistical similarity between these two populations. This similarity coupled with marked populational dissimilarity between LMCs and acknowledged planets motivates us to suggest a common origin hypothesis for LMCs and stellar binaries as an alternative to the prevailing interpretation. We discuss merits of such a hypothesis and indicate a possible scenario for the formation of LMCs.
Document ID
20010005244
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Stepinski, T. F. (Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX United States)
Black, D. C. (Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 11, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Volume: 35
Issue: 6
Subject Category
Astronomy
Report/Patent Number
LPI-Contrib-1005
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-4574
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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