The Distribution of Planet Radius in Kepler Multiplanet Systems Depends on Gap Complexity

Abstract

The distribution of small planet radius ( 0.35) exhibit a lower frequency of sub-Earths (2.5 times less) and sub-Neptunes (1.3 times less) and a higher frequency of super-Earths (1.4 times more) than planets in low-complexity systems. This may suggest that planetary systems with more irregular spacings are more likely to undergo dynamic interactions that influence planet scattering, composition, and atmospheric retention. The gap complexity metric proves to be a valuable tool in linking the orbital configurations of planets to their physical characteristics.

Keywords

• Exoplanets
• Exoplanet systems
• Planetary system formation