Uncovering the rapidly evolving orbits of the dynamic TOI-201 system

Science Advances 2026 Open access

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Authors: Ismael Mireles, Soléne Ulmer-Moll, Donald Liveoak, Diana Dragomir, J. Korth, Alexander Venner, Karen A. Collins, A H M J Triaud, T GUILLOT, Antoine Petit, Theron W. Carmichael, Sarah Millholland
+38 more Tim Hallatt, H. Parviainen, Hugh P. Osborn, David Rapetti, Thomas A Baycroft, Siddharth Bhatnagar, F Bouchy, Radmila Dancikova, Pedro Figueira, M. Lendl, S Udry, Peter Wheatley, Lyu Abe, A. Agabi, Matteo Beltrame, Philippe Bendjoya, Vincent Deloupy, D. Mékarnia, F. X. Schmider, Olga Suárez, Khalid Barkaoui, K Horne, F. Murgas, Ε. Πάλλη, Richard P. Schwarz, Ramotholo R Sefako, Avi Shporer, Gregor Srdoc, Chris Stockdale, F P Wilkin, J D Hartman, Lauren A. Sgro, Thiam-Guan Tan, Jon M. Jenkins, Attila Bódi, David Havell, Darren Rivett, Ian Transom
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aef2618
Cited by: 1
References: 119

Abstract

Studying planetary interactions in exoplanet systems informs theories of planet formation and evolution, providing essential context for understanding our own solar system. We combine spectroscopy, transit photometry, transit timing variations, and astrometry to characterize the TOI-201 system. The cotransiting system consists of a super-Earth, warm Jupiter, and massive companion at 5.8-, 53-, and 2900-day orbital periods, respectively. We perform dynamical simulations to study the past and future of the system. von-Zeipel-Kozai-Lidov oscillations emerge as the most plausible scenario to explain the outer companion's high orbital eccentricity, with planet-planet scattering a possible but less likely contender. Because of nonzero mutual inclinations between the planets, the system is visibly evolving on very short timescales, with the current cotransiting configuration ending in 200 years.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Stellar planetary and galactic studies Astronomy and Astrophysical Research Scientific Research and Discoveries

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
16
Pages
eaef2618–eaef2618
Publication date
15 April 2026
Language
EN