Parametrizing the exoplanet eccentricity distribution with the beta distribution.

摘要: It is suggested that the distribution of orbital eccentricities for extrasolar planets well-described by Beta distribution. Several properties make it a powerful tool this purpose. For example, can reproduce diverse range probability density functions (PDFs) using just two shape parameters (a and b). We argue makes ideal serving as parametric model in Bayesian comparative population analysis. The also uniquely defined over interval zero to unity, meaning serve proper prior eccentricity when analysing observations bound planets. Using nested sampling, we find 396 exoplanets detected through radial velocity with high signal-to-noise = 0.867+/-0.044 b 3.03+/-0.17. shown be 3.7 times more likely represent underlying exoplanet than next best model: Rayleigh + exponential same data are used an example comparison utilizing distribution, where short- long-period described distinct distributions at confidence 11.6 sigma display signature consistent effects tidal circularization.