Why have no transiting planets been found in star clusters?

Abstract

Abstract. Since the suggestion by Janes 1996 that star clusters might be attractive targets to search for transiting planets, there have been more than 20 searches in both open and globular clusters. To date, no confirmed hot Jupiter transiting planets have been found in clusters. We review the statistics for finding short-period planets and we summarize the open cluster work to date, including our own (so far negative) search in NGC 7789. While individually, the negative results are not surprising, the consistent failure to find planets in clusters may suggest differences in the formation or evolution of planetary systems in clusters.

Determining habitability: which exoEarths should we search for life?

“…To date, there have been over 20 transit searches, covering open and globular clusters, all without much success, although in 2007 indirect evidence was obtained for planets forming around a star in the Pleiades open cluster. There is no good explanation for the dearth of discoveries (Janes & Kim 2008). The subject of exoplanets is very young, and there are many uncertainties.…”