On the effects of stellar winds on exoplanetary magnetospheres

V. See, M. Jardine, A. A. Vidotto, P. Petit, S. C. Marsden, S. V. Jeffers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The habitable zone is the range of orbital distances from a host star in which an exoplanet would have a surface temperature suitable for maintaining liquid water. This makes the orbital distance of exoplanets an important variable when searching for extra-solar Earth analogues. However, the orbital distance is not the only important factor determining whether an exoplanet is potentially suitable for life. The ability of an exoplanet to retain an atmosphere is also vital since it helps regulate surface temperatures. One mechanism by which a planetary atmosphere can be lost is erosion due to a strong stellar wind from the host star. The presence of a magnetosphere can help to shield a planetary atmosphere from this process. Using a simple stellar wind model, we present the impact that stellar winds might have on magnetospheric sizes of exoplanets. This is done with the aim of further constraining the parameter space in which we look for extra-solar Earth analogues.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMagnetic Fields throughout Stellar Evolution
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages251-254
Number of pages4
Volume9
EditionS302
ISBN (Print)9781107044982
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
NumberS302
Volume9
ISSN (Print)17439213
ISSN (Electronic)17439221

Keywords

  • chromospheres
  • Magnetic fields
  • mass loss
  • planetary systems
  • stars: activity
  • winds

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