Extra-Solar Planetary Systems in the VLT Era

Abstract

Abstract. Radial Velocity surveys have revealed 63 exoplanets (M sin i < 10 MJup) and 6 multi-planetary systems (status on the 4th of April 2001). Distributions of orbital elements already have been given some constraints on the formation of planetary systems. Derived from recent high resolution spectroscopy studies, the impressive role of the stellar metallicity on the giant planet formation has been revealed. The chemical composition of the molecular cloud is probably the key parameter to form giant planets. However some evidences exist showing the possibility of accretion of matter in the stellar outer convective zone.