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Planets orbiting binary stars—circumbinary planets—play a paramount role in our understanding of planetary and stellar formation and evolution, dynamical interactions in many-body systems, and the potential for habitable environments beyond the Solar System. Each new discovery holds immense value and inherent fascination both for the astronomical community and for the general public. This is perhaps best demonstrated by the 1500+ citations of the discovery papers for the 14 known transiting circumbinary planets and the dozens of related press-releases in major news outlets. This article reviews the observational and theoretical aspects related to the detection and confirmation of transiting circumbinary planets around main-sequence binaries from space-based surveys, discusses the associated challenges, and highlights some of the recent results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BEBOP (Binaries Escorted By Orbiting Planets) survey is a search for circumbinary planets using the radial velocity spectrographs HARPS and SOPHIE, currently focusing on single-lined binaries with a mass ratio < 0.3. Circumbinary systems are an important testing ground for planet formation theories as the dynamically complex influence of the binary makes planet formation and survival more difficult. Here we present the results of the survey so far including: confirmed planets such as BEBOP-1c the first circumbinary planet detected in radial velocity; the status of our observations; and preliminary occurrence rates. We compare the early results of the radial velocity survey to the population of circumbinary planets discovered in transit, and suggest that there may be a population of inflated planets close to the inner binary which are detectable in transit but more difficult in radial velocity. Using time-lag tidal theory, we show that this inflation is unlikely caused by tides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planets orbiting binary stars—circumbinary planets—play a paramount role in our understanding of planetary and stellar formation and evolution, dynamical interactions in many-body systems, and the potential for habitable environments beyond the Solar System. Each new discovery holds immense value and inherent fascination both for the astronomical community and for the general public. This is perhaps best demonstrated by the 1500+ citations of the discovery papers for the 14 known transiting circumbinary planets and the dozens of related press-releases in major news outlets. This article reviews the observational and theoretical aspects related to the detection and confirmation of transiting circumbinary planets around main-sequence binaries from space-based surveys, discusses the associated challenges, and highlights some of the recent results.

Post-Asymptotic Giant Branch (post-AGB) binary systems are binary interaction products. These stars have recently undergone a strong, but not well understood, binary interaction phase, leading to the formation of stable, compact circumbinary discs. These circumbinary discs are found to show many similar properties to protoplanetary discs around young stars. Here, we focus on one such system, namely IRAS 08544-4431 and resolve the inner regions of the complex circumstellar environment using multi-wavelength infrared interferometric techniques. The visibility data of PIONIER (H-band), GRAVITY (K-band), and MATISSE (L and N band) are analysed together using two families of geometric models, giving a good fit to all data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining habitable zones in binary star systems can be a challenging task due to the combination of perturbed planetary orbits and varying stellar irradiation conditions. The concept of “dynamically informed habitable zones” allows us, nevertheless, to make predictions on where to look for habitable worlds in such complex environments. Dynamically informed habitable zones have been used in the past to investigate the habitability of circumstellar planets in binary systems and Earth-like analogs in systems with giant planets. Here, we extend the concept to potentially habitable worlds on circumbinary orbits. We show that habitable zone borders can be found analytically even when another giant planet is present in the system. By applying this methodology to Kepler-16, Kepler-34, Kepler-35, Kepler-38, Kepler-64, Kepler-413, Kepler-453, Kepler-1647, and Kepler-1661 we demonstrate that the presence of the known giant planets in the majority of those systems does not preclude the existence of potentially habitable worlds. Among the investigated systems Kepler-35, Kepler-38, and Kepler-64 currently seem to offer the most benign environment. In contrast, Kepler-16 and Kepler-1647 are unlikely to host habitable worlds.

Here we use a 3‐D climate system model to study the habitability of Earth‐like planets orbiting in circumbinary systems. In the most extreme cases, Earth‐like planets in circumbinary systems could experience variations in the incident stellar flux of up to ~50% on ~100‐day timescales. However, we find that Earth‐like planets, having abundant surface liquid water, are generally effective at buffering against these time‐dependent changes in the stellar irradiation due to the high thermal inertia of oceans compared with the relatively short periods of circumbinary‐driven variations in the received stellar flux. Ocean surface temperatures exhibit little to no variation in time; however, land surfaces can experience modest changes in temperature, thus exhibiting an additional mode of climate variability driven by the circumbinary variations. Still, meaningful oscillations in surface temperatures are only found for circumbinary system architectures featuring the largest physically possible amplitudes in the stellar flux variation. In the most extreme cases, an Earth‐like planet could experience circumbinary‐driven variations in the global mean land surface temperature of up to ~5 K, and variations of local daytime maximum temperatures of up to ~12 K on seasonal timescales, while the global mean ocean temperatures vary by less than ~2 K. Such seasonal temperature swings over land areas could potentially pose adaptability challenges for extant life. Still, habitable planets in circumbinary systems appear to be remarkably resilient against circumbinary‐driven climate variations and can avoid any true climate catastrophes. Plain Language Summary: A circumbinary system is one where a planet orbits around two stars simultaneously, resulting in large and rapid changes to both the stellar energy distribution and the total stellar energy received by the planet. Planets in circumbinary systems can experience significant variations in their received stellar energy over ~10‐ to ~100‐day timescales. However, habitable planets in circumbinary systems are highly effective at buffering these changes in the received stellar energy due to the large thermal inertia of the oceans. Ocean surface temperatures exhibit little to no variation in time; however, land surfaces can experience modest changes in temperature. Even for the most extreme variations in stellar flux possible for circumbinary systems, Earth‐like planets could avoid a permanent climate catastrophe, such as a runaway greenhouse or glaciation. Key Points: Earth‐like planets in circumbinary systems are resilient against climate catastrophe, despite significant time‐dependent variations in the incident stellar fluxWhile ocean temperatures are not appreciably affected, land surface temperatures can exhibit an additional mode of circumbinary‐seasonal variabilityCircumbinary systems should be considered as viable hosts for habitable worlds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planets that revolve around a binary pair of stars are known as circumbinary planets. The orbital motion of the stars around their center of mass causes a periodic variation in the total instellation incident upon a circumbinary planet. This study uses both an analytic and numerical energy balance model to calculate the extent to which this effect can drive changes in surface temperature on circumbinary terrestrial planets. We show that the amplitude of the temperature variation is largely constrained by the effective heat capacity, which corresponds to the ocean‐to‐land ratio on the planet. Planets with large ocean fractions should experience only modest warming and cooling of only a few degrees, which suggests that habitability cannot be precluded for such circumbinary planets. Planets with large land fractions that experience extreme periodic forcing could be prone to changes in temperature of tens of degrees or more, which could drive more extreme climate changes that inhibit continuously habitable conditions. Key Points: We calculate the maximum extent of temperature variation for a circumbinary planet using analytic and numerical energy balance modelsPlanets with large ocean coverage experience only a few degrees of temperature variation, which would not preclude habitabilityPlanets with large land coverage may experience tens of degrees or more in temperature variation, which could cause extreme climate change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radii of the inner and outer boundaries of the circumbinary habitable zone (CBHZ) and the radii of the circumbinary chaotic zone (CBCZ) have been calculated for close binary stars in the solar neighborhood with sufficient catalogue data. A subclass of binaries for which the CBCZ boundary is within the CBHZ boundaries (the CBCZ radius is larger than the inner CBHZ radius, but smaller than the outer CBHZ radius) has been identified for the first time: M4-V69, HATS551-027, EZ Aqr A–C, 38 Cas, HD 2070, HD 15064, HD 28394, HD 160346, and HD 181602. Since, according to present-day theories and observational data, the probability of finding planets at the CBCZ boundary is high, one might expect the presence of potentially habitable circumbinary planets in the planetary systems of the binary stars revealed in this way. For the stars CM Dra, WTS 19c-3-01405, and LP 661-13 the CBCZ radius is smaller than the radius of the inner CBHZ boundary, but planets may be present around them in outer stable orbits resonant with the orbits of planets near the CBCZ boundary. Therefore, all of the binaries of these types revealed for the first time are of considerable interest for future observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most stars form in binaries and the evolution of their discs remains poorly understood. To shed light on this subject, we carry out 3D ideal magnetohydrodynamic simulations with the adaptive mesh refinement code flash of binary star formation for separations of |$10\!-\!20\, \mbox{au}$|⁠. We run a simulation with no initial turbulence (NT), and two with turbulent Mach numbers of |$\mathcal {M}=\sigma _v/c_s=0.1$| and 0.2 (T1 and T2) for |$5000\, \mbox{yr}$| after protostar formation. By the end of the simulations the circumbinary discs in NT and T1, if any, have radii of |${\lesssim }20\, \mbox{au}$| with masses |${\lesssim }0.02\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$|⁠ , while T2 hosts a circumbinary disc with radius ∼70–80 |$\, \mbox{au}$| and mass |${\sim }0.12\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$|⁠. These circumbinary discs formed from the disruption of circumstellar discs and harden the binary orbit. Our simulated binaries launch large single outflows. We find that outflows of NT carry the most mass, and linear and angular momentum from the system. T2 produces the least efficient outflows concerning mass, momentum, and angular momentum (∼61 per cent, ∼71 per cent, ∼68 per cent of the respective quantities in NT). We conclude that while turbulence helps to build circumbinary discs, which leads to the restructuring of magnetic fields for efficient outflow launching, too much turbulence may disrupt the ordered magnetic field structure required for magnetocentrifugal launching of jets. We conclude that the role of turbulence in building large circumbinary discs may explain some observed very old (⁠|$\gt \! 10\, \mbox{Myr}$|⁠) circumbinary discs. The longer lifetime of circumbinary discs may increase the likelihood of planet formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I propose that at the termination of the common envelope evolution (CEE) the companion to the giant star might launch jets that have variable directions and intensities, hence the jets shape the inner zones of the descendant nebula causing it to lose any type of symmetry. This might account for some of the chaotic departures from axisymmetric structures in some planetary nebulae. I base my study on the assumption that at the termination of the CEE the binary interaction forms a circumbinary thick disc that feeds the companion via an accretion disc that launches opposite jets. I consider two processes that might lead to the development of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities that lead to chaotic accretion flow on to the companion. The chaotic accretion flow leads to a variable accretion disc around the companion, hence to variable jets. In the first process the jets inflate low-density hot bubbles in the inner regions of the envelope. In the second process the inner boundary of the thick circumbinary disc, that faces the centre, cools by radiation thus leading to a temperature, and hence also a pressure, increase with radius. The opposite pressure and density gradients lead to Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities. This study further underlines the importance of exploring the termination phase of the CEE to the understanding of the entire CEE and its outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NY Virginis is an eclipsing binary system with a subdwarf B primary and an M type dwarf secondary. Recent studies (Qian et al. 2012; Lee et al. 2014) suggested the presence of two circumbinary planets with a few Jovian masses within the system. Lee et al. (2014) examined the orbital stabilities of the suggested planets, using the best-fit parameters derived from their eclipse timing variation analysis. They found that the outer companion should be ejected from the system in about 800 000 years. An observational report from Pulley et al. (2016) pointed out that the recent mideclipse times of the binary deviate significantly from the models suggested by Lee et al. (2014). In fact, variations in the orbital period of the system had already been recognized by many authors, but the parameters of these variations vary significantly as new data accumulate. Here, we analyze the eclipse timing variations of the NY Vir system, using new mid-eclipse times that we have obtained together with earlier published measurements in order to understand the nature of the system and constrain its parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A circumbinary disc around a pair of merging stellar-mass black holes may be shocked and heated during the recoil of the merged hole, causing a near-simultaneous electromagnetic counterpart to the gravitational wave event. The shocks occur around the recoil radius, where the disc orbital velocity is equal to the recoil velocity. The amount of mass present near this radius at the time of the merger is critical in determining how much radiation is released. We explore the evolution of a circumbinary disc in two limits. First, we consider an accretion disc that feels no torque from the binary. The disc does not survive until the merger unless there is a dead zone, a region of low turbulence. Even with the dead zone, the surface density in this case may be small. Secondly, we consider a disc that feels a strong binary torque that prevents accretion on to the binary. In this case there is significantly more mass in regions of interest at the time of the merger. A dead zone in this disc increases the mass close to the recoil radius. For typical binary-disc parameters we expect accretion to be significantly slowed by the resonant torque from the binary, and for a dead zone to be present. We conclude that provided significant mass orbits the binary after the formation of the black hole binary and that the radiation produced in recoil shocks can escape the flow efficiently, there is likely to be an observable electromagnetic signal from black hole binary mergers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binary stars constitute a large percentage of the stellar population, yet relatively little is known about the planetary systems orbiting them. Most constraints on circumbinary planets (CBPs) so far come from transit observations with the Kepler telescope, which is sensitive to close-in exoplanets but does not constrain planets on wider orbits. However, with continuous developments in high-contrast imaging techniques, this population can now be addressed through direct imaging. We present the full survey results of the Search for Planets Orbiting Two Stars (SPOTS) survey, which is the first direct imaging survey targeting CBPs. The SPOTS observational program comprises 62 tight binaries that are young and nearby, and thus suitable for direct imaging studies, with VLT/NaCo and VLT/SPHERE. Results from SPOTS include the resolved circumbinary disk around AK Sco, the discovery of a low-mass stellar companion in a triple packed system, the relative astrometry of up to 9 resolved binaries, and possible indications of non-background planetary-mass candidates around HIP 77911. We did not find any CBP within 300 AU, which implies a frequency upper limit on CBPs (1–15 MJup) of 6–10% between 30–300 AU. Coupling these observations with an archival dataset for a total of 163 stellar pairs, we find a best-fit CBP frequency of 1.9% (2–15 MJup) between 1 and 300 AU with a 10.5% upper limit at a 95% confidence level. This result is consistent with the distribution of companions around single stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kepler mission has detected a number of transiting circumbinary planets (CBPs). Although currently not detected, exomoons could be orbiting some of these CBPs, and they might be suitable for harbouring life. A necessary condition for the existence of such exomoons is their long-term dynamical stability. Here, we investigate the stability of exomoons around the Kepler CBPs using numerical N -body integrations. We determine regions of stability and obtain stability maps in the (a m, i pm) plane, where a m is the initial exolunar semimajor axis with respect to the CBP, and i pm is the initial inclination of the orbit of the exomoon around the planet with respect to the orbit of the planet around the stellar binary. Ignoring any dependence on i pm, for most Kepler CBPs, the stability regions are well described by the location of the 1:1 mean motion commensurability of the binary orbit with the orbit of the moon around the CBP. This is related to a destabilizing effect of the binary compared to the case if the binary were replaced by a single body, and which is borne out by corresponding three-body integrations. For high inclinations, the evolution is dominated by Lidov–Kozai oscillations, which can bring moons in dynamically stable orbits to close proximity within the CBP, triggering strong interactions such as tidal evolution, tidal disruption, or direct collisions. This suggests that there is a dearth of highly inclined exomoons around the Kepler CBPs, whereas coplanar exomoons are dynamically allowed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. To understand planet formation it is necessary to study the birth environment of planetary systems. Resolved imaging of young planet forming disks allows us to study this environment in great detail and find signs of planet-disk interaction and disk evolution. In the present study we aim to investigate the circumstellar environment of the spectroscopic binary T Tauri star CS Cha. From unresolved mid-to far-infrared photometry it is predicted that CS Cha hosts a disk with a large cavity. In addition, spectral energy distribution modeling suggests significant dust settling, pointing toward an evolved disk that may show signs of ongoing or completed planet formation. Methods. We observed CS Cha with the high contrast imager SPHERE at the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) in polarimetric differential imaging mode to resolve the circumbinary disk in near-infrared scattered light. These observations were followed up by VLT/NACO L-band observations and complemented by archival VLT/NACO K-band and Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 I-band data. Results. We resolve the compact circumbinary disk around CS Cha for the first time in scattered light. We find a smooth, low inclination disk with an outer radius of ~55 au (at 165 pc). We do not detect the inner cavity but find an upper limit for the cavity size of ~15 au. Furthermore, we find a faint comoving companion with a projected separation of 210 au from the central binary outside of the circumbinary disk. The companion is detected in polarized light and shows an extreme degree of polarization (13.7 ± 0.4% in the J band). The J- and H-band magnitudes of the companion are compatible with masses of a few MJup. However, K-, L-, and I-band data draw this conclusion into question. We explore with radiative transfer modeling whether an unresolved circum-companion disk can be responsible for the high polarization and complex photometry. We find that the set of observations is best explained by a heavily extincted low-mass (~20 MJup) brown dwarf or high-mass planet with an unresolved disk and dust envelope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most of the circumbinary planets detected by the Kepler spacecraft are on orbits that are closely aligned with the binary orbital plane, the systems Kepler-413 and Kepler-453 exhibit small misalignments of ∼2.5°. One possibility is that these planets formed in a circumbinary disc whose midplane was inclined relative to the binary orbital plane. Such a configuration is expected to lead to a warped and twisted disc, and our aim is to examine the inclination evolution of planets embedded in these discs. We employed 3D hydrodynamical simulations that examine the disc response to the presence of a modestly inclined binary with parameters that match the Kepler-413 system, as a function of disc parameters and binary inclinations. The discs all develop slowly varying warps, and generally display very small amounts of twist. Very slow solid body precession occurs because a large outer disc radius is adopted. Simulations of planets embedded in these discs resulted in the planet aligning with the binary orbit plane for disc masses close to the minimum mass solar nebular, such that nodal precession of the planet was controlled by the binary. For higher disc masses, the planet maintains near coplanarity with the local disc midplane. Our results suggest that circumbinary planets born in tilted circumbinary discs should align with the binary orbit plane as the disc ages and loses mass, even if the circumbinary disc remains misaligned from the binary orbit. This result has important implications for understanding the origins of the known circumbinary planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present 3D hydrodynamical models of the HD142527 protoplanetary disc, a bright and well-studied disc that shows spirals and shadows in scattered light around a 100 au gas cavity, a large horseshoe dust structure in mm continuum emission, together with mysterious fast radial flows and streamers seen in gas kinematics. By considering several possible orbits consistent with the observed arc, we show that all of the main observational features can be explained by one mechanism - the interaction between the disc and the observed binary companion. We find that the spirals, shadows, and horseshoe are only produced in the correct position angles by a companion on an inclined and eccentric orbit approaching periastron - the 'red' family from Lacour et al. Dust-gas simulations show radial and azimuthal concentration of dust around the cavity, consistent with the observed horseshoe. The success of this model in the HD142527 disc suggests other mm-bright transition discs showing cavities, spirals, and dust asymmetries may also be explained by the interaction with central companions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Astronomers recently started discovering exoplanets around binary systems. Therefore, understanding the formation and evolution of circumbinary disks and their environment is crucial for a complete scenario of planet formation. Aims. The purpose of this paper is to present the detection of a circumbinary disk around the system Oph-IRS67 and analyse its chemical and physical structure. Methods. We present high-angular-resolution (0.′′4, ~60 AU) observations of C17O, H13CO+, C34S, SO2, C2H and c−C3H2 molecular transitions with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at wavelengths of 0.8 mm. The spectrally and spatially resolved maps reveal the kinematics of the circumbinary disk as well as its chemistry. Molecular abundances are estimated using the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) radiative-transfer tool RADEX. Results. The continuum emission agrees with the position of Oph-IRS67 A and B, and reveals the presence of a circumbinary disk around the two sources. The circumbinary disk has a diameter of ~620 AU and is well traced by C17O and H13CO+ emission. Two further molecular species, C2H and c−C3H2, trace a higher-density region which is spatially offset from the sources (~430 AU). Finally, SO2 shows compact and broad emission around only one of the sources, Oph-IRS67 B. The molecular transitions which trace the circumbinary disk are consistent with a Keplerian profile on smaller disk scales (≲200 AU) and an infalling profile for larger envelope scales (≳200 AU). The Keplerian fit leads to an enclosed mass of 2.2 M⊙. Inferred CO abundances with respect to H2 are comparable to the canonical ISM value of 2.7 × 10−4, reflecting that freeze-out of CO in the disk midplane is not significant. Conclusions. Molecular emission and kinematic studies prove the existence and first detection of the circumbinary disk associated with the system Oph-IRS67. The high-density region shows a different chemistry than the disk, being enriched in carbon chain molecules. The lack of methanol emission agrees with the scenario where the extended disk dominates the mass budget in the innermost regions of the protostellar envelope, generating a flat density profile where less material is exposed to high temperatures, and thus, complex organic molecules would be associated with lower column densities. Finally, Oph-IRS67 is a promising candidate for proper motion studies and the detection of both circumstellar disks with higher-angular-resolution observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-period circumbinary planets appear to be as common as those orbiting single stars and have been found to frequently have orbital radii just beyond the critical distance for dynamical stability. Assessing the stability is typically done either through N-body simulations or using the classic stability criterion first considered by Dvorak and later developed by Holman and Wiegert: a second-order polynomial calibrated to broadly match numerical simulations. However, the polynomial is unable to capture islands of instability introduced by mean motion resonances, causing the accuracy of the criterion to approach that of a random coin-toss when close to the boundary. We show how a deep neural network (DNN) trained on Nbody simulations generated with REBOUND is able to significantly improve stability predictions for circumbinary planets on initially coplanar, circular orbits. Specifically, we find that the accuracy of our DNN never drops below 86 per cent, even when tightly surrounding the boundary of instability, and is fast enough to be practical for on-the-fly calls during likelihood evaluations typical of modern Bayesian inference. Our binary classifier DNN is made publicly available at https://github.com/CoolWorlds/orbital-stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper Martin & Lubow showed through simulations that an initially tilted disc around an eccentric binary can evolve to polar alignment in which the disc lies perpendicular to the binary orbital plane. We apply linear theory to show both analytically and numerically that a nearly polar aligned low-mass circumbinary disc evolves to polar alignment and determine the alignment time-scale. Significant disc evolution towards the polar state around moderately eccentric binaries can occur for typical protostellar disc parameters in less than a typical disc lifetime for binaries with orbital periods of order 100 yr or less. Resonant torques are much less effective at truncating the inner parts of circumbinary polar discs than the inner parts of coplanar discs. For polar discs, they vanish for a binary eccentricity of unity. The results agree with the simulations in showing that discs can evolve to a polar state. Circumbinary planets may then form in such discs and reside on polar orbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eclipsing symbiotic binary BF Cyg has had five orbital minima during its last optical outburst after 2006. The second minimum is much shallower than the first one and after that the minimum get deeper again. We determined the parameters of the accretion structure surrounding the compact object in two minima and traced its evolution until 2014. Moreover, we analysed the continuum of the system in the region of the $UBVR_{\mathrm{C}}I_{\mathrm{C}}$ photometric bands to derive the parameters of its components at two times orbital maximum and calculated the mass-loss rate of the compact object. The results obtained allow us to conclude about the mechanism of fading of the optical light of the system until 2014. These results show that the optical flux of the outbursted compact object decreases because of 'contraction' of its observed photosphere (pseudophotosphere) which, on its side, is due to increase of the velocity of its stellar wind, and the optical flux of the circumbinary nebula decreases mainly because of reduction of its mean density, which, on its side, is due to destruction of the accretion structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of hydrodynamic simulations examiningmigration and growth of planets embedded in self-gravitating circumbinary discs. The binary star parameters are chosen to mimic those of the Kepler-16, -34 and -35 systems; the aim of this study is to examine the role of disc mass in determining the stopping locations of migrating planets at the edge of the cavity created by the central binary. Disc self-gravity can cause significant shrinkage of the cavity for disc masses in excess of 5-10 × the minimum mass solar nebula model. Planets forming early in the disc lifetime can migrate through the disc and stall at locations closer to the central star than is normally the case for lower mass discs, resulting in closer agreement between simulated and observed orbital architecture. The presence of a planet orbiting in the cavity of a massive disc can prevent the cavity size from expanding to the size of a lower mass disc. As the disc mass reduces over long time-scales, this indicates that circumbinary planet systems retain memory of their initial conditions. Our simulations produce planetary orbits in good agreement with Keper-16b without the need for self-gravity; Kepler-34 analogue systems produce wide and highly eccentric cavities, and self-gravity improves the agreement between simulations and data. Kepler-35b is more difficult to explain in detail due to its relatively low mass, which results in the simulated stopping location being at a larger radius than that observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaseous circumbinary accretion discs provide a promising mechanism to facilitate the mergers of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in galactic nuclei. We measure the torques exerted on accreting SMBH binaries, using 2D, isothermal, moving-mesh, viscous hydrodynamical simulations of circumbinary accretion discs. Our computational domain includes the entire inner region of the circumbinary disc, with the individual black holes (BHs) treated as point masses on the grid. A sink prescription is used to account for accretion on to each BH through well-resolved minidiscs. We explore a range of mass-removal rates for the sinks. We find that the torque exerted on the binary is primarily gravitational, and dominated by the gas orbiting close behind and ahead of the individual BHs. The torques are sensitive to the sink prescription: slower sinks result in more gas accumulating near the BHs and more negative torques, driving more rapid binary merger. For faster sinks, the torques are less negative, and eventually turn positive (for unphysically fast sinks). When the minidiscs are modelled as standard α discs, our results are insensitive to the chosen sink radius. When scaled to Ṁ/ṀEdd=0.3, the implied residence time-scale is ≈3 × 106 yr, independent of the SMBH masses and orbital separation. For binaries with total mass ≲ 107 M⊙, this is shorter than the inspiral time due to gravitational wave (GW) emission alone, implying that gas discs will have a significant impact on the SMBH binary population and can affect the GW signal for pulsar timing arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper refers to fictitious resonant orbits of planet type that surround both components of a binary system. In case of 16 studied examples a suitable choice of the starting values leads to a process of libration of special angular arguments and to an evolution with an at least temporary stay of the planet in the resonant orbit. The ratio of the periods of revolution of the binary and a planet is equal to 1:5. Eight orbits depend on the ratio 1:5 of the masses of the binary components, but two other ratios appear as well. The basis of this study is the planar, elliptic or circular restricted problem of three bodies, but remarks at the end of the text refer to a four-body problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an X-ray timing analysis of the transient X-ray binary MXB 1658-298, using data obtained from the RXTE and XMM-Newton observatories.We have made 27 new mid-eclipse time measurements from observations made during the two outbursts of the source. These new measurements have been combined with the previously known values to study long-term changes in orbital period of the binary system. We have found that the mid-eclipse timing record of MXB 1658-298 is quite unusual. The long-term evolution of mid-eclipse times indicates an overall orbital period decay with a time-scale of -6.5(7) × 107 yr. Over and above this orbital period decay, the O-C residual curve also shows a periodic residual on shorter time-scales. This sinusoidal variation has an amplitude of ~9 lt-s and a period of ~760 d. This is indicative of the presence of a third body around the compact X-ray binary. The mass and orbital radius of the third body are estimated to lie in the ranges 20.5-26.9 Jupiter mass and 750-860 lt-s, respectively. If true, then it will be the most massive circumbinary planet and also the smallest period binary known to host a planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mean-field dynamo model is employed to study the non-linear dynamo regimes in a fully convective star of mass 0.3 M☉ rotating with period of 10 d. For intermediate value of parameter of the turbulent magnetic Prandl number, PmT = 3, we found the oscillating dynamo regimes with period about 40 yr. The higher PmT results to longer dynamo periods. If the large-scale flows is fixed, we find that the dynamo transits from axisymmetric to nonaxisymmetric regimes for the overcritical parameter of the α-effect. The change of dynamo regime occurs because of the non-axisymmetric non-linear α-effect. The situation persists in the fully non-linear dynamo models with regards for the magnetic feedback on the angular momentum balance and the heat transport in the star. It is found that the large-scale magnetic field quenches the latitudinal shear in the bulk of the star. However, the strong radial shear operates in the subsurface layer of the star. In the non-linear case, the profile of the angular velocity inside the star become close to the spherical surfaces. This supports the equator-ward migration of the axisymmetric magnetic field dynamo waves. It was found that the magnetic configuration of the star dominates by the regular non-axisymmetric mode m = 1. As a result of the differential rotation, it forms the Yin Yang magnetic polarity pattern with the strong (>500 G) poloidal magnetic field in polar regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of optical flares on the very low-mass red-dwarf eclipsing binary GJ 3236 and the results of our 2014-2016 photometric campaign. In total, this binary was monitored photometrically in all filters for about 900 h, which has revealed a flare rate of about 0.06 flares per hour. The amplitude of its flares is the largest among those detected in the V band (~1.3mag), R band (~0.8mag), I band (~0.2mag) and clear band (~0.5 mag). The light curves of GJ 3236 were analysed and the statistics of detected flare events are presented. The energy released during individual flares was calculated as up to 2.4 × 1027 J and compared with other known active stars. The cumulative distribution of flare energies appears to follow a broken power law. The flare activity of this binary also plays an important role in the precise determination of its physical parameters and evolutionary status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of self-gravitating circumbinary discs around binaries whose parameters match those of the circumbinary planet-hosting systems Kepler-16, Kepler-34 and Kepler-35. Previous work has shown that non-self-gravitating discs in these systems form an eccentric precessing inner cavity due to tidal truncation by the binary, and planets which form at large radii migrate until stalling at this cavity. Whilst this scenario appears to provide a natural explanation for the observed orbital locations of the circumbinary planets, previous simulations have failed to match the observed planet orbital parameters. The aim of this work is to examine the role of self-gravity in modifying circumbinary disc structure as a function of disc mass, prior to considering the evolution of embedded circumbinary planets. In agreement with previous work, we find that for disc masses between one and five times the minimum mass solar nebula (MMSN), disc self-gravity affects modest changes in the structure and evolution of circumbinary discs. Increasing the disc mass to 10 or 20 MMSN leads to two dramatic changes in disc structure. First, the scale of the inner cavity shrinks substantially, bringing its outer edge closer to the binary. Secondly, in addition to the eccentric inner cavity, additional precessing eccentric ring-like features develop in the outer regions of the discs. If planet formation starts early in the disc lifetime, these changes will have a significant impact on the formation and evolution of planets and precursor material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circumbinary planets are generally more likely to transit than equivalent single-star planets, but practically the geometry and orbital dynamics of circumbinary planets make the chance of observing a transit inherently time-dependent. In this follow-up paper to Martin & Triaud (2015), the time-dependence is probed deeper by analytically calculating when and for how long the binary and planet orbits overlap, allowing for transits to occur. The derived equations are applied to the known transiting circumbinary planets found by Kepler to predict when future transits will occur, and whether they will be observable by upcoming space telescopes TESS, CHEOPS and PLATO. The majority of these planets spend less than 50 per cent of their time in a transiting configuration, some less than 20 per cent. From this it is calculated that the known Kepler eclipsing binaries likely host an additional ~17-30 circumbinary planets that are similar to the 10 published discoveries, and they will ultimately transit someday, potentially during the TESS and PLATO surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse 45 spectropolarimetric observations of the eclipsing, interacting binary star V356 Sgr, obtained over a period of ~21 yr, to characterize the geometry of the system's circumstellar material. After removing interstellar polarization from these data, we find that the system exhibits a large intrinsic polarization signature arising from electron scattering. In addition, the lack of repeatable eclipses in the polarization phase curves indicates the presence of a substantial pool of scatterers not occulted by either star. We suggest that these scatterers form either a circumbinary disc coplanar with the gainer's accretion disc or an elongated structure perpendicular to the orbital plane of V356 Sgr, possibly formed by bipolar outflows. We also observe small-scale, cycle-to-cycle variations in the magnitude of intrinsic polarization at individual phases, which we interpret as evidence of variability in the amount of scattering material present within and around the system. This may indicate a mass-transfer or massloss rate that varies on the time-scale of the system's orbital period. Finally, we compare the basic polarimetric properties of V356 Sgr with those of the well-studied β Lyr system; the significant differences observed between the two systems suggest diversity in the basic circumstellar geometry of Roche lobe overflow systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate whether the rings, lopsided features and horseshoes observed at millimetre (mm) wavelengths in transitional discs can be explained by the dynamics of gas and dust at the edge of the cavity in circumbinary discs. We use 3D dusty smoothed particle hydrodynamics calculations to show that binaries with mass ratio q ≳ 0.04 drive eccentricity in the central cavity, naturally leading to a crescent-like feature in the gas density, which is accentuated in the mm dust grain population with intensity contrasts in mm continuum emission of 10 or higher. We perform mock observations to demonstrate that these features closely match those observed by the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array, suggesting that the origin of rings, dust horseshoes and other non-axisymmetric structures in transition discs can be explained by the presence of massive companions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study, by means of numerical simulations and analysis, the details of the accretion process from a disc on to a binary system. We show that energy is dissipated at the edge of a circumbinary disc and this is associated with the tidal torque that maintains the cavity: angular momentum is transferred from the binary to the disc through the action of compressional shocks and viscous friction. These shocks can be viewed as being produced by fluid elements that drift into the cavity and, before being accreted, are accelerated on to trajectories that send them back to impact the disc. The rate of energy dissipation is approximately equal to the product of potential energy per unit mass at the disc's inner edge and the accretion rate, estimated from the disc parameters just beyond the cavity edge, that would occur without the binary. For very thin discs, the actual accretion rate on to the binary may be significantly less. We calculate the energy emitted by a circumbinary disc taking into account energy dissipation at the inner edge and also irradiation arising there from reprocessing of light from the stars. We find that, for tight PMS binaries, the SED is dominated by emission from the inner edge at wavelengths between 1-4 and 10 µm. This may apply to systems like CoRoT 223992193 and V1481 Ori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In binary stellar systems, exoplanet searches have revealed planetary mass companions orbiting both in circumstellar and in circumbinary orbits. Modelling studies suggest increased dynamical complexity around the young stars that form such systems. Circumstellar and circumbinary disks likely exhibit different physical conditions for planet formation, which also depends on the stellar separation. Although binaries and higher order multiple stars are relatively common in nearby star-forming regions, surprisingly few systems with circumbinary distributions of proto-planetary material have been found. With its spectacular ring of dust and gas encircling the central triple star, one such system, GG Tau A, has become a unique laboratory for investigating the physics of circumsystem gas and dust evolution. We review here its physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transiting circumbinary planets discovered by Kepler provide unique insight into binary star and planet formation. Several features of this new found population, for example the apparent pile-up of planets near the innermost stable orbit, may distinguish between formation theories. In this work, we determine how planet-planet scattering shapes planetary systems around binaries as compared to single stars. In particular, we look for signatures that arise due to differences in dynamical evolution in binary systems. We carry out a parameter study of N-body scattering simulations for four distinct planet populations around both binary and single stars. While binarity has little influence on the final system multiplicity or orbital distribution, the presence of a binary dramatically affects the means by which planets are lost from the system. Most circumbinary planets are lost due to ejections rather than planet-planet or planet-star collisions. The most massive planet in the system tends to control the evolution. Systems similar to the only observed multiplanet circumbinary system, Kepler-47, can arise from much more tightly packed, unstable systems. Only extreme initial conditions introduce differences in the final planet populations. Thus, we suggest that any intrinsic differences in the populations are imprinted by formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a long-term programme for timing the eclipses of white dwarfs in close binaries to measure apparent and/or real variations in their orbital periods. Our programme includes 67 close binaries, both detached and semi-detached and with M-dwarfs, K-dwarfs, brown dwarfs or white dwarfs secondaries. In total, we have observed more than 650 white dwarf eclipses. We use this sample to search for orbital period variations and aim to identify the underlying cause of these variations. We find that the probability of observing orbital period variations increases significantly with the observational baseline. In particular, all binaries with baselines exceeding 10 yr, with secondaries of spectral type K2 - M5.5, show variations in the eclipse arrival times that in most cases amount to several minutes. In addition, among those with baselines shorter than 10 yr, binaries with late spectral type (>M6), brown dwarf or white dwarf secondaries appear to show no orbital period variations. This is in agreement with the so-called Applegate mechanism, which proposes that magnetic cycles in the secondary stars can drive variability in the binary orbits. We also present new eclipse times of NN Ser, which are still compatible with the previously published circumbinary planetary system model, although only with the addition of a quadratic term to the ephemeris. Finally, we conclude that we are limited by the relatively short observational baseline for many of the binaries in the eclipse timing programme, and therefore cannot yet draw robust conclusions about the cause of orbital period variations in evolved, white dwarf binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of 12CO(3-2) emission of the circumbinary envelope of Mira Ceti, made by Atacama Large Millimetre/sub-millimetre Array, are analysed. The observed Doppler velocity distribution is made of three components: a blueshifted south-eastern arc, which can be described as a ring in slow radial expansion, ∼1.7 km s-1, making an angle of ∼50° with the plane of the sky and born some 2000 years ago; a few arcs, probably born at the same epoch as the blueshifted arc, all sharing Doppler velocities redshifted by approximately 3±2 km s-1 with respect to the main star; thirdly, a central region dominated by the circumbinary envelope, displaying two outflows in the south-western and north-eastern hemispheres. At short distances from the star, up to ∼1.5 arcsec, these hemispheres display very different morphologies: the south-western outflow covers a broad solid angle, expands radially at a rate between 5 and 10 km s-1 and is slightly redshifted; the north-eastern outflow consists of two arms, both blueshifted, bracketing a broad dark region where emission is suppressed. At distances between ∼1.5 and ∼2.5 arcsec the asymmetry between the two hemispheres is significantly smaller and detached arcs, particularly spectacular in the north-eastern hemisphere are present. Close to the stars, we observe a mass of gas surrounding Mira B, with a size of a few tens of au, and having Doppler velocities with respect to Mira B reaching ±1.5 km s-1, which we interpret as gas flowing from Mira A towards Mira B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eclipse timing variations observed from the post-common-envelope binary (PCEB) NN Ser offer strong evidence in favour of circumbinary planets existing around PCEBs. If real, these planets may be accompanied by a disc of dust. We here present the ALMA detection of flux at 1.3 mm from NN Ser, which is likely due to thermal emission from a dust disc of mass ~0.8 ± 0.2M⊕. We performed simulations of the history of NN Ser to determine possible origins of this dust, and conclude that the most likely origin is, in fact, common-envelope material which was not expelled from the system and instead formed a circumbinary disc. These discs have been predicted by theory but previously remained undetected. While the presence of this dust does not prove the existence of planets around NN Ser, it adds credibility to the possibility of planets forming from common-envelope material in a 'second-generation' scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of circumbinary planetary systems (the systems in which the planets orbit a central binary) with a small binary mass ratio discovered to date is considered. The domains of chaotic motion have been revealed in the 'pericentric distance-eccentricity' plane of initial conditions for the planetary orbits through numerical experiments. Based on an analytical criterion for the chaoticity of planetary orbits in binary star systems, we have constructed theoretical curves that describe the global boundary of the chaotic zone around the central binary for each of the systems. In addition, based on Mardling's theory describing the separate resonance 'teeth' (corresponding to integer resonances between the orbital periods of a planet and the binary), we have constructed the local boundaries of chaos. Both theoretical models are shown to describe adequately the boundaries of chaos on the numerically constructed stability diagrams, suggesting that these theories are efficient in providing analytical criteria for the chaoticity of planetary orbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planets around binary stars and those in multiplanet systems may experience resonant eccentricity excitation and disruption due to perturbations from a distant stellar companion. This 'evection resonance' occurs when the apsidal precession frequency of the planet, driven by the quadrupole associated with the inner binary or the other planets, matches the orbital frequency of the external companion. We develop an analytic theory to study the effects of evection resonance on circumbinary planets and multiplanet systems.We derive the general conditions for effective eccentricity excitation or resonance capture of the planet as the system undergoes long-term evolution. Applying to circumbinary planets, we show that inward planet migration may lead to eccentricity growth due to evection resonance with an external perturber, and planets around shrinking binaries may not survive the resonant eccentricity growth. On the other hand, significant eccentricity excitation in multiplanet systems occurs in limited parameter space of planet and binary semimajor axes, and requires the planetary migration to be sufficiently slow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We present the first near-IR milli-arcsecond-scale image of a post-AGB binary that is surrounded by hot circumbinary dust. Methods. A very rich interferometric data set in six spectral channels was acquired of IRAS 08544-4431 with the new RAPID camera on the PIONIER beam combiner at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). A broadband image in the H-band was reconstructed by combining the data of all spectral channels using the SPARCO method. Results. We spatially separate all the building blocks of the IRAS 08544-4431 system in our milliarcsecond-resolution image. Our dissection reveals a dust sublimation front that is strikingly similar to that expected in early-stage protoplanetary disks, as well as an unexpected flux signal of ~4% from the secondary star. The energy output from this companion indicates the presence of a compact circum-companion accretion disk, which is likely the origin of the fast outflow detected in Hff. Conclusions. Our image provides the most detailed view into the heart of a dusty circumstellar disk to date. Our results demonstrate that binary evolution processes and circumstellar disk evolution can be studied in detail in space and over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possible configurations of the planetary systems of the binary stars α Cen A-BandEZAqr A-C are analyzed. The P-type orbits-circumbinary ones, i.e., the orbits around both stars of the binary, are studied. The choice of these systems is dictated by the fact that α Cen is closest to us in the Galaxy, while EZ Aqr is the closest system whose circumbinary planets, as it turns out, may reside in the 'habitability zone.' The analysis has been performed within the framework of the planar restricted three-body problem. The stability diagrams of circumbinary motion have been constructed: on representative sets of initial data (in the pericentric distance-eccentricity plane), we have computed the Lyapunov spectra of planetary motion and identified the domains of regular and chaotic motion through their statistical analysis. Based on present views of the dynamics and architecture of circumbinary planetary systems, we have determined the most probable planetary orbits to be at the centers of the main resonance cells, at the boundary of the dynamical chaos domain around the parent binary star, which allows the semimajor axes of the orbits to be predicted. In the case of EZ Aqr, the orbit of the circumbinary planet is near the habitability zone and, given that the boundary of this zone is uncertain, may belong to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study transients produced by equatorial disc-like outflows from catastrophically masslosing binary stars with an asymptotic velocity and energy deposition rate near the inner edge which are proportional to the binary escape velocity vesc. As a test case, we present the first smoothed-particle radiation-hydrodynamics calculations of the mass loss from the outer Lagrange point with realistic equation of state and opacities. The resulting spiral stream becomes unbound for binary mass ratios 0.06 ≲ q ≲ 0.8. For synchronous binaries with non-degenerate components, the spiral-stream arms merge at a radius of ∼10a, where a is the binary semi-major axis, and the accompanying shock thermalizes about 10 per cent of the kinetic power of the outflow. The mass-losing binary outflows produce luminosities reaching up to ∼106 L☉ and effective temperatures spanning 500 ≲ Teff ≲ 6000 K, which is compatible with many of the class of recently discovered red transients such as V838 Mon and V1309 Sco. Dust readily forms in the outflow, potentially in a catastrophic global cooling transition. The appearance of the transient is viewing angle-dependent due to vastly different optical depths parallel and perpendicular to the binary plane. We predict a correlation between the peak luminosity and the outflow velocity, which is roughly obeyed by the known red transients. Outflows from mass-losing binaries can produce luminous (105 L☉) and cool (Teff ≲ 1500 K) transients lasting a year or longer, as has potentially been detected by Spitzer surveys of nearby galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transiting circumbinary planets are more easily detected around short-period than long-period binaries, but none have yet been observed by Kepler orbiting binaries with periods shorter than seven days. In triple systems, secular Kozai-Lidov cycles and tidal friction (KLCTF) have been shown to reduce the inner orbital period from ~104 to a few days. Indeed, the majority of short-period binaries are observed to possess a third stellar companion. Using secular evolution analysis and population synthesis, we show that KLCTF makes it unlikely for circumbinary transiting planets to exist around short-period binaries. We find the following outcomes. (1) Sufficiently massive planets in tight and/or coplanar orbits around the inner binary can quench the KL evolution because they induce precession in the inner binary. The KLCTF process does not take place, preventing the formation of a short-period binary. (2) Secular evolution is not quenched and it drives the planetary orbit into a high eccentricity, giving rise to an unstable configuration, in which the planet is most likely ejected from the system. (3) Secular evolution is not quenched but the planet survives the KLCTF evolution. Its orbit is likely to be much wider than the currently observed inner binary orbit, and is likely to be eccentric and inclined with respect to the inner binary. These outcomes lead to two main conclusions: (1) it is unlikely to find a massive planet on a tight and coplanar orbit around a short-period binary, and (2) the properties of circumbinary planets in short-period binaries are constrained by secular evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of numerical modeling of the gas dynamics ofmaterial in the envelopes of T Tauri binary stars with a small component mass ratios ( q = 0.08) are reported. In such systems, the less massive component is moving at a supersonic velocity, and the more massive component can move with either a subsonic or supersonic velocity. The modeling results show that the morphology of the flow changes substantially in the transition from supersonic to subsonic motion of the massive component. In particular, one of the two bow shocks vanishes, flows ofmaterial in the system are redistributed, and the characteristics of the accretion disks change. In addition, the effect of the change in the accretion mode on the evolution of the binary system and the possibility of recovering some parameters of the system from observational manifestations of shocks in the circumstellar envelope are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]