Confirming the 3:2 Resonance Chain of K2-138

Abstract

The study of orbital resonances allows for the constraint of planetary properties of compact systems. K2-138 is an early K-type star with six planets, five of which have been proposed to be in the longest chain of 3:2 mean motion resonances. To observe and potentially verify the resonant behavior of K2-138's planets, we run N-body simulations using previously measured parameters. Through our analysis, we find that 99.2% of our simulations result in a chain of 3:2 resonances, although only 11% of them show a five-planet resonance chain. We find we are able to use resonances to constrain the orbital periods and masses of the planets. We explore the possibility of this system forming in situ and through disk migration, and investigate the potential compositions of each planet using a planet structure code.