Advanced software tool improves orbital measurements for triple star system HD 114762

New software called ExoPlanetLab enhances the ability to map the orbits of giant planets and stellar companions using data from the Gaia space telescope. By combining different types of motion data, the tool provides more precise results for objects like the system surrounding HD 114762, aligning different observations into a single consistent model of how these celestial bodies move through space.

Star system: HD 114762 A | Distance from the Sun: 125 light years

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Advanced software tool improves orbital measurements for triple star system HD 114762

Star system: HD 114762 A | Distance from the Sun: 125 light years

Understanding the paths of planets and companion stars requires precise tracking of their movement over time. A new computational tool, ExoPlanetLab, allows for the processing of epoch astrometry - individual precise measurements of a star's position - alongside radial velocity data, which tracks the wobbling of a star caused by the gravitational tug of orbiting bodies. By integrating these different data sets, the software creates more reliable orbital models that account for complex movements that simpler models might miss.

The accuracy of this tool was verified through extensive testing with both simulated data and real-world observations. The model uses a statistical method known as Student-t likelihood, which is particularly effective at handling data sets that contain unusual or heavy-tailed values. By testing 180 different scenarios, the software demonstrated a high success rate in identifying orbital signals, even when multiple planets were involved. Validation using pre-release data from the Gaia satellite showed that the tool could successfully recover previously established orbits for objects like Gaia BH3.

When applied to the star HD 114762, the new software successfully reconciled discrepancies between its astrometric data and previously recorded radial velocity measurements. This demonstrates the capability of the tool to combine distinct sources of information into a unified and accurate picture of a star system. These advancements allow for more detailed characterization of giant planets and substellar companions across the galaxy.

Key findings
ExoPlanetLab successfully recovers orbital paths by combining Gaia astrometry with radial velocity data.
The software uses robust statistical modeling to avoid false detections in systems without companions.
Measurements for HD 114762 now show consistent results between astrometric and radial velocity data models.
The tool is capable of accurately characterizing systems with multiple planets or companions based on simulated validation tests.

Scientific study

ExoPlanetLab: Bayesian orbit fitting of Gaia-DR4 epoch astrometry, radial velocities and relative astrometry