Searching for star-planet magnetic interaction in CoRoT observations

TL;DR

This paper reviews evidence of magnetic star-planet interactions observed in CoRoT data, discussing phenomena, theoretical explanations, and the potential of space telescopes like CoRoT and Kepler to test these models.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of observational evidence and theoretical models of star-planet magnetic interactions using CoRoT data, highlighting the unique observational advantages.

Findings

Evidence of activity enhancements in CoRoT-2, CoRoT-4, and CoRoT-6.

Discussion of mechanisms explaining star-planet magnetic interactions.

Emphasis on the potential of CoRoT and Kepler data to test interaction models.

Abstract

Close-in massive planets interact with their host stars through tidal and magnetic mechanisms. In this paper, we review circumstantial evidence for star-planet interaction as revealed by the photospheric magnetic activity in some of the CoRoT planet-hosting stars, notably CoRoT-2, CoRoT-4, and CoRoT-6. The phenomena are discussed in the general framework of activity-induced features in stars accompanied by hot Jupiters. The theoretical mechanisms proposed to explain the activity enhancements possibly related with hot Jupiter are also briefly reviewed with an emphasis on the possible effects at photospheric level. The unique advantages of CoRoT and Kepler observations to test these models are pointed out.