Application of the Shannon entropy in the planar (non-restricted) four-body problem: the long-term stability of the Kepler-60 exoplanetary system

Abstract

In this paper, we present an application of the Shannon entropy in the case of the planar (non-restricted) four-body problem. Specifically, the Kepler-60 extrasolar system is being investigated with a primary interest in the resonant configuration of the planets that exhibit a chain of mean-motion commensurabilities with the ratios 5:4:3. In the dynamical maps provided, the Shannon entropy is utilized to explore the general structure of the phase space, while, based on the time evolution of the entropy, we determine also the extent and rate of the chaotic diffusion as well as the characteristic times of stability for the planets. Two cases are considered: (i) the pure Laplace resonance when the critical angles of the 2-body resonances circulate and that of the 3-body resonance librates; and (ii) the chain of two 2-body resonances when all the critical angles librate. Our results suggest that case (ii) is the more favourable configuration but we state too that, in either case, the relevant resonance plays an important role to stabilize the system. The derived stability times are no shorter than 10 8 yrs in the central parts of the resonances.