Carlos Cifuentes
I investigate stellar multiplicity and planetary architectures, with a current emphasis on hierarchical triple systems. I contribute to the KOBE and CARMENES projects and lead observing proposals focused on stellar multiplicity, exoplanet detection, and stellar parameter determination from high-resolution spectroscopy. I develop and apply tools for large-scale data analysis and pipeline optimisation, with solid experience in Python programming.
Triple star systems are more common than often assumed, yet planets in them remain understudied. Their orbital architectures offer valuable clues about planet and star formation in complex gravitational settings. Stable planets in these systems reflect the delicate balance required for long-term dynamical survival.
Gaia astrometry reveals subtle anomalies in stars that appear single, hinting at unresolved companions. This project follows up such cases to identify spectroscopic binaries, essential to avoid false planet detections, refine stellar parameters, and complete the census of close stellar multiplicity.
The KOBE experiment is a legacy radial-velocity survey using CARMENES at Calar Alto. By targeting the overlooked K dwarfs, KOBE bridges the gap between G- and M‑dwarf studies. The project has already confirmed a planet near the habitable zone of a K dwarf (PI: Jorge Lillo Box).
CARMENES is a dual-channel high-resolution spectrograph operating at the 3.5m Calar Alto telescope, dedicated to the detection of terrestrial-mass exoplanets around M dwarfs. The survey has led to the discovery and characterisation of dozens of exoplanets, and is a cornerstone of low-mass star research in Europe (PIs: P. J. Amado, A. Quirrenbach).
Balsalobre-Ruza et al. (2025)
New! KOBE K dwarfs HabitabilityKOBE finds its first planet!
The first discovery of the KOBE project: two super-Earth- or sub-Neptune-mass planets orbiting a quiet K7 star.
Cifuentes et al. (2025)
New! M dwarfs BinariesThe multiplicity of M dwarfs is probably underestimated.
Comprehensive multiplicity study ranging from close spectroscopic binaries to ultra-wide companions.
Cifuentes et al. (2020)
CARMENES input catalogue of M dwarfs V: Luminosities, colours, and spectral energy distributions
Top cited M dwarfs Stellar parametersA trusted reference for the astrophysical parameters of M dwarfs.
Study of luminosities, colours, and spectral energy distributions for M dwarfs in the CARMENES input catalogue.
Schweitzer et al. (2019)
Top cited M dwarfs Stellar parametersKnow your star: Precise masses and radii of M dwarfs.
Precise radii and masses for 293 nearby M dwarfs, achieving 2-5% precision and consistency across techniques.
Martínez-Rodríguez et al. (2019)
Exomoons in the habitable zones of M dwarfs
Exomoons Habitability M dwarfsProspects for habitability beyond exoplanets around M dwarfs.
Analysis of potential habitable exomoons orbiting M dwarfs and their detectability.
For a complete list of my publications, visit my profile on ADS.
December 2025
Exploring Tattoine and beyond: Circumbinary planets with ESAC missions
European Space Astronomy Centre
Madrid, Spain
Now
July 2025
Detection and Dynamics of Exoplanets (DDE): Interplay between theory and observations
University of Coimbra
Portugal
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Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA)
Camino Bajo del Castillo s/n
Campus European Space Astronomy Centre
28692 Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain