Exoplanet Magnetic Fields

TL;DR

This paper reviews current knowledge and methods for detecting exoplanet magnetic fields, discussing their generation, potential detection techniques, and implications for planetary evolution.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical understanding, detection methods, and consequences of exoplanet magnetic fields, highlighting future prospects.

Findings

No unambiguous exoplanet magnetic field measurements yet

Seven methods discussed for detecting exoplanet magnetic fields

Magnetic fields influence planetary evolution and habitability

Abstract

Planetary magnetic fields are important indicators of planetary processes and evolution, from a planet's outer core to its surface (if it possesses one) to its atmosphere and near-space environment. Magnetic fields are most directly measured in situ, and determining whether distant planetary objects possess magnetic fields can be challenging. At present we have no unambiguous measurements of magnetic fields on exoplanets. Nevertheless, it would be surprising if at least some exoplanets did not generate a magnetic field, like many planetary bodies in the solar system. This chapter provides an overview of the current understanding of exoplanetary magnetic fields and their consequences. In the next section we review the current understanding of planetary dynamo generation as it applies to solar system objects and discuss the implications for exoplanetary magnetic field generation. Following this, we describe seven methods for determining the existence and strength of an exoplanetary magnetic field and discuss the near-term prospects for each method. We close by highlighting four main consequences of exoplanetary magnetic fields for a planet and its evolution.