Possible constraints on exoplanet magnetic field strengths from planet-star interaction
Caleb A. Scharf
TL;DR
This study explores how close-in exoplanets may influence their host stars' X-ray emissions through magnetic interactions, providing insights into planetary magnetic fields and their geodynamic properties.
Contribution
It presents evidence of a correlation between stellar X-ray luminosity and the mass of nearby exoplanets, suggesting magnetic interactions affect stellar emissions and can inform about planetary magnetic fields.
Findings
Positive correlation between X-ray luminosity and planetary mass.
No significant observational biases found affecting the correlation.
Estimated planetary magnetic field strength increase by a factor of ~8 for 1-10 MJ planets.
Abstract
A small percentage of normal stars harbor giant planets that orbit within a few tenths of an astronomical unit. At such distances the potential exists for significant tidal and magnetic field interaction resulting in energy dissipation that may manifest as changes within the stellar corona. We examine the X-ray emission of stars hosting planets and find a positive correlation between X-ray luminosity and the projected mass of the most closely orbiting exoplanets. We investigate possible systematics and observational biases that could mimic or confuse this correlation but find no strong evidence for any, especially for planets more massive than ~0.1 MJ. Luminosities and upper limits are consistent with the interpretation that there is a lower floor to stellar X-ray emission dependent on close-in planetary mass. Under the hypothesis that this is a consequence of planet-star magnetic field…
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