The effect of stellar X-rays on their nearby gas-giant planets appears to besignificant. The X-rays have been cited at the cause of excess heating of theplanet which can induce mass loss. Further, it has been argued that the magneticfields of the two bodies can interact. Recent statistical analysis of starspossessing hot-Jupiters indicates that their activity could be enhanced by asmuch as a factor of 2 and observations in Ca II HK and X-ray phased to theplanetary orbital periods show that there could be in situ X-ray enhancements ofas much as 50%. This makes it possible to detect when the interacting zone movesbehind the star. We propose to observe the secondary eclipse of two nearby (<20pc.) systems HD 189733 and GJ 436.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-05-18T21:15:54Z/2009-05-19T07:37:49Z
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 Scott Wolk, 2010, 'X-Ray Observations of Planetary Transits: Secondary Eclipse', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2mqkng5
