As we build towards robustly detecting and characterizing the atmospheres ofterrestrial exoplanets with JWST, we cannot forget to take a close look at thelow-mass stars they orbit. Complete coverage of M dwarf ultraviolet spectra areneeded to determine the photochemical production rates of molecular species interrestrial planet atmospheres, which will alert us to when disequilibriumchemistry, a sign of surface processes or even life, is present. High-energyspectra from the UV to X-ray are also needed to calculate mass loss rates fromplanetary atmospheres, which can explain the lack of atmospheres aroundhighly-irradiated terrestrial worlds. LTT 1445Ab and GJ 486b are two of the mostspectroscopically accessible terrestrial exoplanets.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-12-23T01:56:49Z/2021-12-23T12:04:09Z
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, Dr Hannah Diamond-Lowe, 2023, 'An HST exclusive look at two rising stars: high-energy spectra of the two closes', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-hnkh14a
