HST observations show that two of the brightest transiting exoplanets areevaporating (HD209458b & HD189733b) and models suggest that the evolution ofclose-in planets may be dominated by this mass loss. X-ray observations duringthe transits of evaporating planets have the potential to detect absorption bythe inner low-velocity regions of the planetary winds that are hidden to HST byinterstellar absorption and geocoronal emission. Detections of these dense innerregions are needed in order to determine the dynamics of the planetary outflowand measure the mass loss rates. We propose an intense campaign of XMM-Newtontransit observations of the most favourable target, HD189733b, with the aim ofdetecting the extended atmosphere of the planet and measuring its mass loss rate.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-04-05T05:05:20Z/2015-04-20T05:39:46Z
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, 2016, 'Probing the extended atmosphere of the evaporating exoplanet HD189733b', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dhpokzy
