Searching for Magnetic Interactions Between Exoplanets and Their Host Stars
Abstract
A large fraction of the known exoplanets are so called "hot-Jupiters", planets with roughly Jovian mass and orbits that bring them fairly close to their host stars. Assuming that their properties are somewhat similar to the gas giants in our own solar system, such planets might be expected to produce enhanced chromospheric activity in their host stars via magnetic interactions. Investigations of these interactions can help shed light on the nature and character of exoplanet magnetospheres. [To date, only one such interaction has been observed, in HD179949 (Shkolnik 2005).]
Recently we have begun a long-term spectroscopic campaign at Appalachian State University's Dark Sky Observatory, monitoring the chromospheric activity of stars with exoplanets orbiting within 0.25 AU. The monitoring of host stars over a long time frame is important,since interactions may only be detectable when the stars are in an "active" state. Preliminary results from the first year of observations will be presented here. Support provided by NC SpaceGrant.- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #212
- Pub Date:
- May 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008AAS...212.1003S