Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009aas...21331008w&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #213, #310.08; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.286
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
All of the solar system giant planets and the Earth produce radio wavelength emissions as a result of an interaction between their magnetic fields and the solar wind. Indirect evidence for at least some extrasolar giant planets also having magnetic fields includes the modulation of calcium emission lines of their host stars phased with the planetary orbits likely due to magnetic reconnection events between the stellar and planetary fields. If magnetic fields are a generic property of giant planets, then extrasolar giant planets should emit at radio wavelengths allowing for their direct detection. From magnetospheric emissions it may be possible to infer various planetary properties, including constraints on planetary interiors, planetary rotation rates, the existence of satellites, and the retention of atmospheres. In the case of the Earth, its magnetic field may contribute to its habitability by protecting its atmosphere from solar wind erosion and by preventing energetic particles from reaching its surface. Thus, terrestrial-mass planets, if magnetized, should also emit at radio wavelengths, and detecting this radiation may be a means of assessing their habitability.
Existing radio wavelength observations, from the VLA, GMRT, and UTR-2, place limits comparable to the flux densities expected from the strongest emissions. Future radio wavelength facilities, currently under design and development or construction, including the LWA, LOFAR, SKA, and possibly a lunar-based telescope, will offer more than one order of magnitude improvement. In the near-term, relatively modest investments offer the potential to leverage these facilities for extrasolar planet research. Key work includes algorithm development for better handling of the time-frequency domain of the signals, continued polarimetric observations of host stars, and coordination with space missions.
Basic research in radio astronomy at the NRL is supported by 6.1 Base funding.
Lazio Joe
Winterhalter Daniel
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