Dynamics of the TWA 7 planetary system and possibility of an additional planet

¹ Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IPAG, 38000 Grenoble, France
² Department of Astronomy, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
³ LIRA, CNRS, Observatoire de Paris, Université PSL, 92190 Meudon, France

^★ Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 23 January 2026
Accepted: 26 February 2026

Abstract

Context. The debris disk surrounding the young star TWA 7 exhibits morphological features that tightly constrain its planetary architecture. JWST/MIRI observations have recently revealed a directly imaged outer planet orbiting at a large separation. The disk also displays a sharply defined inner edge at ∼23 au and an extended asymmetric structure that may trace a horseshoe-like distribution of material indicative of gravitational interactions between planets and planetesimals.

Aims. We investigate whether the observed disk morphology and the possible presence of co-orbital material can be explained by the combined gravitational influence of the known outer planet and an undetected inner companion. We aim to identify planetary configurations consistent with both the disk structure and the long-term dynamical stability of the system.

Methods. We combined N-body simulations and secular perturbation theory to explore how an undetected inner planet could shape the inner edge of the disk while maintaining the dynamical coldness required for stable co-orbital structures around the outer planet. The analytical framework quantifies the secular coupling between the two planets and delineates dynamically viable configurations.

Results. The inner edge of the disk at ∼23 au can be reproduced by a sub-Jovian planet orbiting between 13 and 23 au. Secular interactions further restrict this companion to nearly circular orbits, as higher eccentricities would excite the outer planet and destabilize the co-orbital material. Together, these constraints confine the system to a narrow region of parameter space.

Conclusions. The TWA 7 system appears dynamically cold, with all components, including the planets and the debris disk, sharing nearly circular and coplanar orbits. Such a quiescent configuration likely reflects the weak dynamical stirring, making it a promising laboratory to study the early interplay between planet formation, co-orbital dynamics, and debris-disk evolution.