The evolution and observed properties of close-in extra-solar planets may becontrolled by X-ray irradiation by their parent stars. Transiting planetsprovide a unique opportunity to study the effect of irradiation on mass lossfrom close-in planets and the possible consequent effects on their mass-radiusrelation. To date, however, theoretical studies have relied on estimates of theirradiating flux in each system. Here we propose to observe the four brighttransiting planets with XMM-Newton in order to measure the irradiating flux. Inparticular we intend to test the suggestion that HD209458b is losing mass due toX-ray irradiation-driven evaporation.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-11-14T23:49:21Z/2006-11-15T09:07:56Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Dr Peter Wheatley, 2007, 'The X-ray irradiation of transiting extra-solar planets', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-qe1hddq
