GMRT Low Frequency Observations of Extrasolar Planetary Systems

TL;DR

This study used GMRT to observe two young, nearby star systems for low frequency radio emissions from their potential gas giant planets, setting upper limits that inform future detection efforts.

Contribution

First low frequency radio observations of Epsilon Eridani and HD 128311, establishing upper emission limits and informing future searches for exoplanetary radio signals.

Findings

No detection of radio emission from the systems.

Set upper limits comparable to theoretical predictions.

Provided constraints on stellar radio emission.

Abstract

Extrasolar planets are expected to emit detectable low frequency radio emission. In this paper we present results from new low frequency observations of two extrasolar planetary systems (Epsilon Eridani and HD 128311) taken at 150 MHz with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). These two systems have been chosen because the stars are young (with ages < 1 Gyr) and are likely to have strong stellar winds, which will increase the expected radio flux. The planets are massive (presumably) gas giant planets in longer period orbits, and hence will not be tidally locked to their host star (as is likely to be the case for short period planets) and we would expect them to have a strong planetary dynamo and magnetic field. We do not detect either system, but are able to place tight upper limits on their low frequency radio emission, at levels comparable to the theoretical predictions for these systems. From these observations we have a 2.5sigma limit of 7.8 mJy for Epsilon Eri and 15.5 mJy for HD 128311. In addition, these upper limits also provide limits on the low frequency radio emission from the stars themselves. These results are discussed and also the prospects for the future detection of radio emission from extrasolar planets.