Dynamical Stability of Extra-Solar Planets

In this chapter we discuss the orbital stability of extra-solar planetary systems. After a short general introduction into the very popular topic of extra-solar planets, we classify the more than 400 planets that have been detected so far according to dynamical aspects. We discuss planetary motion in (i) single-star single-planet, (ii) multi-planet systems, and (iii) binary systems. For the first group we show the application of a general stability study which helps to verify the dynamical behavior of an additional planet that may be discovered in the future. For the other two groups—that are more complicated from the dynamical point of view—we selected some interesting systems—like Jupiter–Saturn analogs and the close binary systems HD41004 AB, Gliese 86, and γ Cephei—for which we discuss the dynamical stability . Finally, we provide an insight into dynamical contributions to the interdisciplinary research of habitability.