A&A 464, 1133-1138 (2007)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20066111

Detecting companions to extrasolar planets using mutual events

J. Cabrera and J. Schneider

Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, 92195 Meudon Cedex, France
    e-mail: juan.cabrera@obspm.fr

(Received 26 July 2006 / Accepted 22 December 2006)

Abstract
Aims.We investigate a new approach to the detection of companions to extrasolar planets beyond the transit method. We discuss the possibility of the existence of "binary planets".
Methods.We develop a method based on the imaging of a planet-companion as an unresolved system (but resolved from its parent star). It makes use of planet-companion "mutual phenomena", namely mutual transits and mutual shadows.
Results.We show that companions can be detected and their radius measured down to lunar sizes.

Key words: stars: planetary systems -- occultations

© ESO 2007