Demographics of M Dwarf Binary Exoplanet Hosts Discovered by TESS

Abstract

M dwarfs have become increasingly important in the detection of exoplanets and the study of Earth-sized planets and their habitability. However, 20%–30% of M dwarfs have companions that can impact the formation and evolution of planetary systems. We use high-resolution imaging and Gaia astrometry to detect stellar companions around M dwarf exoplanet hosts discovered by TESS and determine the projected separation and estimated stellar masses for each system. We find 47 companions around 216 M dwarfs and a multiplicity rate of 19.4% ± 2.7% that is consistent with field M dwarfs. The binary projected separation distribution is shifted to larger separations, confirming the lack of close binaries hosting transiting exoplanets seen in previous studies. We correct the radii of planets with nearby companions and examine the properties of planets in M dwarf multistar systems. We also note three multiplanet systems that occur in close binaries (≲50 au) where planet formation is expected to be suppressed.

Keywords

• Binary stars
• Exoplanet systems
• Low mass stars
• M dwarf stars