Detectable close-in planets around white dwarfs through late unpacking

摘要: Although 25%-50% of white dwarfs (WDs) display evidence for remnant planetary systems, their orbital architectures and overall sizes remain unknown. Vibrant close-in (~1 Solar radius) circumstellar activity is detected at WDs spanning many Gyrs in age, suggestive planets further away. Here we demonstrate how systems with 4 10 closely-packed that stable ordered on the main sequence can become unpacked when star evolves into a WD experience pervasive inward incursions throughout cooling. Our full-lifetime simulations run age Universe adopt stellar masses 1.5, 2.0 2.5 masses, which correspond to mass range occupied by progenitors typical present-day WDs. These results provide (i) natural way generate an ever-changing dynamical architecture post-main-sequence (ii) avenue achieve temporary orbits are potentially detectable transit photometry, (iii) explanation residual asteroids might pollute particularly old