Characterization of exoplanetary systems through transit timing techniques: from secular perturbations to mass measurement

Abstract:

The transit timing variation (TTV) method is a powerful tool for probing exoplanetary systems, providing key insights into their architecture, dynamical interactions, and evolutionary pathways. By measuring deviations from strictly periodic transit times, TTVs can detect non-transiting companions and constrain planetary masses without radial velocity data. When planets are in or near mean-motion resonances, their mutual gravitational interactions can induce detectable variations in their transit times, allowing us to probe their masses and orbital parameters. This approach has significantly contributed to our understanding of planetary formation and migration mechanisms. Beyond multi-planet interactions, TTVs also reveal secular perturbations in close-in hot Jupiters. Effects such as tidal orbital decay and apsidal precession provide insights into star-planet interactions and planetary internal structure. In this seminar, I will explore how TTVs help detect hidden planets, measure masses, and constrain tidal effects in close-in giants. I will highlight recent findings, showcasing how transit timing techniques refine our understanding of planetary systems.