Photoevaporative mass loss is key to sculpting the properties of short periodtransiting exoplanets, yet current models have large uncertainties. One of thebiggest sources of uncertainty is the high-energy (X-ray and extreme UV)spectrum of the star. Stellar EUV cannot be measured due to interstellarabsorption, and must be inferred from the X-ray luminosity. We propose a surveyto measure the X-ray spectra of four young, active stars hosting small (< 3.5R_Earth) planets. This regime is the most critical for understanding exoplanetdemographics, and our targets are the most observationally favorable fordetecting exospheric absorption. The spectra measured by XMM-Newton will becrucial in understanding photoevaporation from these exceptional planets.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-03-26T19:59:12Z/2021-08-23T07:31:45Z
Version
19.16_20210326_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, Mr Michael Zhang, 2022, 'The X-ray Spectra of Young comma Active Stars Hosting Small Planets', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-j9gffce
