Candidates for detecting exoplanetary radio emissions generated by magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling

TL;DR

This paper identifies the best candidate exoplanets for detecting magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling radio emissions, based on estimated spectral flux densities and various planetary and stellar parameters.

Contribution

It evaluates and ranks 91 exoplanets as potential sources of detectable radio emissions caused by magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions.

Findings

Higher planetary magnetic field and faster rotation increase radio emission strength.

Stars with higher X-ray luminosity and lower stellar wind pressure favor detection.

Top candidates include epsilon Eri and HIP 85523.

Abstract

In this paper we consider the magnetosphere-ionosphere (M-I) coupling at Jupiter-like exoplanets with internal plasma sources such as volcanic moons, and we have determined the best candidates for detection of these radio emissions by estimating the maximum spectral flux density expected from planets orbiting stars within 25 pc using data listed in the NASA/IPAC/NExScI Star and Exoplanet Database (NStED). In total we identify 91 potential targets, of which 40 already host planets and 51 have stellar X-ray luminosity 100 times the solar value. In general, we find that stronger planetary field strength, combined with faster rotation rate, higher stellar XUV luminosity, and lower stellar wind dynamic pressure results in higher radio power. The top two targets for each category are $\epsilon$ Eri and HIP 85523, and CPD-28 332 and FF And.