Exoplanet X-ray irradiation and evaporation rates with eROSITA

TL;DR

This study uses eROSITA and archival X-ray data to characterize the high-energy irradiation of 287 exoplanets, estimating their mass loss rates and identifying new targets for observing evaporation effects.

Contribution

It provides the first eROSITA-based X-ray and EUV luminosity catalog for exoplanet host stars, including 96 newly characterized exoplanets and 14 first-time X-ray detections of transiting exoplanets.

Findings

96 exoplanets characterized for the first time from eROSITA data.

14 new X-ray detections of transiting exoplanets with potential evaporation signatures.

A comprehensive catalog of stellar X-ray/EUV luminosities and exoplanet irradiation fluxes.

Abstract

High-energy irradiation is a driver for atmospheric evaporation and mass loss in exoplanets. This work is based on data from eROSITA, the soft X-ray instrument aboard SRG (Spectrum Roentgen Gamma) mission, as well as archival data from other missions, we aim to characterise the high-energy environment of known exoplanets and estimate their mass loss rates. We use X-ray source catalogues from eROSITA, XMM-Newton, Chandra and ROSAT to derive X-ray luminosities of exoplanet host stars in the 0.2-2 keV energy band with an underlying coronal, i.e. optically thin thermal spectrum. We present a catalogue of stellar X-ray and EUV luminosities, exoplanetary X-ray and EUV irradiation fluxes and estimated mass loss rates for a total of 287 exoplanets, 96 among them being characterised for the first time from new eROSITA detections. We identify 14 first time X-ray detections of transiting exoplanets that are subject to irradiation levels known to cause observable evaporation signatures in other exoplanets, which makes them suitable targets for follow-up observations.