7–11 Jul 2025
Physics Department, University of Coimbra
Europe/Lisbon timezone
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Can the S2-star harbor a planetary companion?

8 Jul 2025, 11:43
1m
Auditorium C.1 (Physics Department, University of Coimbra)

Auditorium C.1

Physics Department, University of Coimbra

Rua Larga, 3004-516 Coimbra, Portugal

Speaker

Rodrigo Silva (University of Coimbra)

Description

The Galactic Center contains a dense cluster of massive stars orbiting the central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A$^\star$, collectively known as the S-cluster. While massive stars elsewhere in the Galaxy frequently reside in binary systems, the S-cluster appears to lack such companions. Among the S-cluster stars is S2, one of the most well-studied due to its close approach to Sagittarius A$^\star$, which enables tests of General Relativity. In this study, we investigate the dynamical viability of planetary companions orbiting S2 under the extreme gravitational influence of Sagittarius A$^\star$. Our findings provide insight into the survivability of planetary systems in the Galactic Center and guide future observational efforts to detect exoplanets in this unique environment.

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