On the stability of Earth-like planets in multi-planet systems

We present a continuation of our numerical study on planetary systems with similar characteristics to the Solar System. This time we examine the influence of three giant planets on the motion of terrestrial-like planets in the habitable zone (HZ). Using the Jupiter¿Saturn¿Uranus configuration we create similar fictitious systems by varying Saturn¿s semi-major axis from 8 to 11 AU and increasing its mass by factors of 2¿30. The analysis of the different systems shows the following interesting results: (i) Using the masses of the Solar System for the three giant planets, our study indicates a maximum eccentricity (max-e) of nearly 0.3 for a test-planet placed at the position of Venus. Such a high eccentricity was already found in our previous study of Jupiter¿Saturn systems. Perturbations associated with the secular frequency g 5 are again responsible for this high eccentricity. (ii) An increase of the Saturn-mass causes stronger perturbations around the position of the Earth and in the outer HZ. The latter is certainly due to gravitational interaction between Saturn and Uranus. (iii) The Saturn-mass increased by a factor 5 or higher indicates high eccentricities for a test-planet placed at the position of Mars. So that a crossing of the Earth¿ orbit might occur in some cases. Furthermore, we present the maximum eccentricity of a test-planet placed in the Earth¿ orbit for all positions (from 8 to 11 AU) and masses (increased up to a factor of 30) of Saturn. It can be seen that already a double-mass Saturn moving in its actual orbit causes an increase of the eccentricity up to 0.2 of a test-planet placed at Earth¿s position. A more massive Saturn orbiting the Sun outside the 5:2 mean motion resonance ( a S ?9.7 AU) increases the eccentricity of a test-planet up to 0.4.