Relativistic Beaming as a Probe of Stellar and Planetary Masses

Abstract

Abstract The primary method of extra-solar planet (exoplanet) detection and characterization is through planetary transits. These events occur when a planet is observed to pass in front of it’s host star with respect to the observers line of sight, which causes a small dimming event. Transits alone yield information on the orbital properties such as period, inclination, semi-major axis as well as physical properties such as the planetary radius. With high-precision photometry, a new photometric effect has emerged as a probe of short-period exoplanet masses. This effect is known as relativistic Doppler beaming (or boosting), and has been used to estimate the masses and densities of numerous exoplanets and stars in binary systems. Here, this effect is discussed in detail along with the prospect of utilizing it with next generation space-based telescopes that will be devoted to the detection and characterization of exoplanets. Prospects for the characterization of binary systems will also be examined.